! ?!
WHAT TO WEAR The correct gear for: XC, Marathon, Trail, Freeride & DH
Inside:
FREE ENTRY to Giba Gorge
www.treadmag.co.za
EVENTS
BIKES TESTED • • • •
ISSUE 7 | JULY/AUGUST 2010
ISSUE 7 Jul/Aug 2010 R36.95 (incl VAT)
M O U N TA I N B I K I N G W I T H S O U L
M O U N TA I N B I K I N G W I T H S O U L
O E W T E E IBE FR N SCR FORNSIDE B D ILS I SU A DETA E R
T
TREAD
TREAD
Mongoose Teocali Intense Spider 2 Giant Trance Chumba VF2
ABSA Cape Epic Fairbairn Capital joBerg2c
GEAR
• Forks – Rock Shox Sid XX vs. Fox F32 RL • Reviewed – Pumps, lights, shorts & more
TOP RIDERS | BEST RACES | SKILLS | TRENDS | GEAR | NUTRITION
Contents
REMARK-ABLE “I have been a pro since last year; while I tried studying engineering for two years, it didn’t quite go the way my mom had it planned for me. Luckily she got over it… at least until next year, when it‘s time for registration at the university again…You gotta love your mom!”– Philip Buys. ‘My Fitness’, Page 75 “We have such a beautiful country. And mountain biking makes it accessible. I don’t need to tell you how riding out in the middle of nowhere makes you feel. Actually, you probably need a poet to describe the euphoria you feel out on a ride! I can close my eyes and imagine the smell of the geraniums in Jonkershoek. I would never have experienced them without the bike.” – Erica Green, ‘A beer with…’, Page 14 “Yep, you guessed it. The start of the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour: thirty-something-thousand crank-happy fools about to be sucker-punched by their own ineptitude and an evil South Easter. So why? Why be another dufus in the annual loop of the lemmings? I mean really. You call that fun?” – Andy Ellis, ‘Stoke’ Page 16 “Growing DH in SA is not an easy task. In certain parts of the country we lack access to land on which to build DH courses, while in other areas we lack people power to arrange and put on events. What we really need is for the guys that ride DH to get involved in the sport and assist in course building and putting on events, instead of continually complaining about the people who do put on races and the courses that they build.” – Rob Cunnington, ‘Industry Focus’, Page 48 “While all the Giba staff have worked exceptionally hard to create what is now a outdoor family lifestyle centre, it never would have been possible without the continued help and support of many passionate riders. They actually got physically involved in cutting trails, building jumps, the BMX track, the downhill, the freeride stuff. All these aspects of the park were guided by and built by passionate customers who just wanted a place where they could ride their hearts out.” – Jason Nichols, ‘Who is behind Giba Gorge?’, Page 46
july/august ’10
CONTENTS
6
4 SOUL PROVIDER Editor’s welcome DROOL Wish you were here…
FEATURE 26 SA vs Europe – different by design 31 What to wear
16
10 CLUTTER Dept. of Current Affairs
INDUSTRY
20 FUEL Meal replacement shakes – balance convenience
TRAIL
22
Review: Lebanon, Western Cape Review: Sani Spoors, KwaZulu-Natal
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TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
51 Tested – 5-inch trail bikes from Chumba, Mongoose, Intense and Giant 61 REVIEWED hot gear and accessories
STOKE
18 SKILL How to pop a wheelie
BIKES & GEAR
41
10-speed – Shimano bites back
68
TECH Rock Shox Sid XX vs. Fox F32 RL
72 SAFETY An update on hijackingss
46 Who is behind Giba Gorge
48 INDUSTRY Leader Cycles Africa’s Rob Cunnington
PEOPLE 74 MY FITNESS Philip Buys 76 MY BIKE Timothy Bentley
Contents
Things to avoid on the singletrack: rocks, roots, trees...oh, and that clown who just lost it. Photo: KELVIN TRAUTMAN
ON THE COVER Oliver Munnik puts a Morewood Zula through its paces in the Alps. A local bike fast becoming a legend. Photo: SVEN MARTIN
78
MY CHALLENGE Francois Esterhuizen
EVENTS
80
ABSA Cape Epic
YOUR TREAD SUBSCRIPTION FREE?! Page 38-39
86 Fairbairn Captial Old Mutual joBerg2c
96
93 CALENDAR Races in July and August 2010 BLEND Francois Rozon
TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
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Soul Provider
Editor: SEAN BADENHORST sean@treadmag.co.za Deputy Editor: DONOVAN JACKSON donovan@treadmag.co.za Contributing Editors BARRY McCALLUM, ANDY ELLIS Contributing Photographers GREG BEADLE, AUBREY JONSSON, WARREN VAN RENSBURG, RONELLE RUST, DominIc Barnardt, Dion Lloyd, Caroline McClelland, SVEN MARTIN, ZOON CRONJE. Creative Director: NOLENE SAUNDERS nolene@treadmag.co.za Contributors: Donovan Jackson, ANDY ELLIS, BARRY McCALLUM, adele drake, Jason Bronkhorst, FRANK HANAUER. Publisher: DONOVAN JACKSON donovan@treadmag.co.za Brand Manager: Christopher Dutton chris@treadmag.co.za Editorial Address: 12 Insinde Avenue, Weltevreden Park, 1709 For advertising enquiries chris@treadmag.co.za. Subscriptions info@treadmag.co.za or call 082 876 1672 TREAD magazine is published with passion alternate monthly by Retread Publishing CC. All material is copyright and may not be reproduced or used in any form without written permission from the publishers.
PHOTO: DINO LLOYD
Fashion passion
E
ver since I wrote and edited a cynical
your next shopping trip.
no excuses. With virtually a new international
style column at Bicycling magazine
Mountain biking in South Africa grew
clothing brand arriving in South Africa every
some years back, I’ve become a
initially from the XC racing scene, which
second month, we can now choose our colours
bit of a cycling fashion policeman.
then burgeoned dramatically with the
and can usually find our perfect size from a
Let’s face it; cyclists in general do look
popularity of marathons and stage races –
selection of quality gear. There are also some
rather ridiculous in riding gear, especially to
all of which see the top riders kitted out
South African brands that are making really
outsiders. Our gear may be practical, but man
in sponsor-logo-infested tight, bright kit.
decent gear too. And you know, it’s not all
it doesn’t exactly do us any favours. Especially
And I suppose this is the dominant gear
stupidly expensive, so most of us can afford
those of us carrying a few extra kilos. Which is
example we slower-paced, career-and-
to look better.
why mountain biking is so cool. Unlike roadies,
family-balancers had to follow. Of course
There is of course one matter I should
we don’t have to ride in tight, bright Lycra. No,
in the United States and Europe, where
mention: Wearing cool clothing and gear does
we have alternatives.
mountain biking reached maturity well
not give you style. Unlike clothing and gear,
Because we have different sub-divisions
before it did in South Africa, it became
style cannot be bought. You simply develop it
within mountain biking, this gear category of
obvious that different kinds of fabrics and
and then ooze it. And it doesn’t matter what
ours is a bit of a minefield. Which is why we
styles could be used for different types of
you are wearing; no matter how dorky it is; no
decided to address it with our main feature in
riding. And logos should only be worn if that
matter how many people point and snigger; if
this issue (What to wear – Page 31).
company is paying you to wear their logo.
you wear it with conviction and confidence,
As with off-the-bike clothing, there’s
And that’s how we got to have comfortable,
you have the first basic requirement for style –
always room for personalisation, but there
functional clothing that doesn’t look like
attitude. And it was French fashion icon, Yves
are some basic ground rules that we should all
smudged body paint.
Saint Laurent, who confirmed that: “Fashions
generally observe. And hey, I’m not saying you
Until a couple of years ago, we didn’t
have to adhere to our recommendations, but
have a great selection of clothing brands
Sean Badenhorst
make a few mental notes and store them until
and choices were limited. But now there are
Editor
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TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
fade, style is eternal.”
2 0 1 0 © S R A M , L LC
Marco Aurelio Fontana, Nino Schurter, Julien Absalon
THE RIGHT GEAR The world’s top MTB athletes have chosen SRAM 2X10. SRAM 2X10 delivers maximum functionality and minimum complexity with faster shifting, more efficiency, lighter weight, and simplicity across a full range of gears. Taking advantage of technologies like X-Glide shifting, X-Dome cassettes, and wide range gearing, SRAM 2X10 gives you a drivetrain ready for any XC, Trail or All-Mountain adventure. SRAM 2X10 doesn’t mean more gears, it just means The Right Gear, right now.
S R A M 2 X 1 0 .C O M
Drool
The loneliness of the long-distance racer
A
fter taking a year off from racing to ride the best trails in Europe with his twin brother Simon, Oliver Munnik is back in South
Africa. What better way to kick off a season in one of the most beautiful locations for an ultra marathon, the MTN Attakwas between Oudtshoorn and Groot Brak in the Southern Cape. While there are group and team tactics in marathon racing when it comes down to making a break your are often all alone, even if you are one half of an identical twin.
6 |
TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
PHOTO: Sven Martin
TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
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Drool
Tokai Heaven By Dino Lloyd
W
hen the clouds clear and sunshine smiles, Cape Town
is one of the most definitive outdoor activity meccas within the world. Without question this includes it’s mountain bike trails and the ever popular Tokai forest,
which is located on the slopes of Table Mountain and provides easy accesible world class riding and scenery to boot. Tokai has something of everything for everyone, from gut busting climbs, fast jeep track and flowing singletrack, catering to funriders, race snakes and the gravity set alike, it’s more than enough to get your fix of dirt.
8 |
TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
PHOTO: Dino lloyd
Media
Compiled by Barry McCallum
Surf this…
While we’re talking about Peat, news from his website is that he’s featuring in the first DH game App for iPhones. Steve Peat – Downhill Mountain Biking, which features well-known DH courses and a virtual bike shop to tailor your rig was scheduled to be released in June at the Fort William World Cup event. Other pro riders will, according to developers, www.apposing.co.uk, be added to the games line-up in the future.
Read this…
We at TREAD hoped that our bike-jacking feature two issues ago (Is this what we want? would go some way to making the trails in our country safer. Alas, the problem, it seems, has got worse. As we went to press, more riders had fallen prey to hijackers in the vicinity of Diepsloot, north of Joburg, most recently a group
In The Collective’s Seasons, Steve Peat relates how when, one day when he was working a job as an apprentice: “My boss came over one day and he said: ‘Steve, go give mountain biking a go, you don’t want to be a plumber.’ ” Sage words. Plumbing’s loss was mountain biking’s gain. Until last year, Peat, one of the most respected characters on the DH circuit,
of five Cycle Lab riders. There is talk of a syndicate behind these attacks, and The National Bicycle Registry South Africa “is of the belief that if a stolen bicycle cannot be sold then the motivation for stealing is diluted”. It’s a non-profit initiative, and the make and serial number of your bike can be registered for free, however “the Registry would appreciate a contribution of R84 per bike per annum” which would “go toward the day-to-day administration of the Registry and the task of realising its objectives”. Visit http://www.nbrza.co.za/ to find out more. Listen to this... Much anticipated: Big Boi was always the more, er, normal
had won everything…except the World
half of the duo known as OutKast. His previous solo material
Championship. Who can forget how he had
was released on the Speakerboxxx/The Love Below album
it all but won in 2008 when a storming Sam
with him and Andre “3000” Benjamin each taking a side.
Hill dumped it in the second-last corner in
Two years will have passed since Big Boi announced his plans
Trentino, Italy, only for Peat’s compatriot Gee
for a standalone solo project, with the release of the single
Atherton to put in the run of the day and take
Something’s Gotta Give, followed two months later by Dubbz.
the Rainbow Jersey? The Yorkshireman would have to wait another year before he finally got to fill that gap in his trophy cabinet. The road to his win at the Worlds in Canberra last year is documented in Steve Peat World Champion: Seventeen Years in the Making. It’s a fantastic 160-page coffee-table book penned by Victor Lucas and features the work of uber-lensmen Sven Martin and Dominic Worrall, and an entertaining foreword by
On July 6, he will unleash the strangely titled Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty. He’s co-producing it with Organized Noize, Boom Boom Room Productions, Scott Storch, and Lil’ Jon. He has described the album as “the grown version of Big Boi…now I’m older, so I’m your knight in rhyming armor. I got my knighthood and am just, lyrically and musically, as sharp as I want to be right now.” So he’s fierce about his music and takes it dead seriously. That’s why you’ve got to address him as ‘Sir’ Luscious. Looking forward to the Mary J Blige collaboration. Once that’s out, Big Boi and Andre, who features on one track on the album, will start work on the new OutKast production. Watch this…
his biggest fan, freecaster.tv’s Rob Warner.
It could affect the cost of producing films from the likes of Clay Porter, who has produced works
You can order it from www.stevepeat.com.
focusing on the UCI World Cup series and World Championships. The world governing body this year
I landed my copy for a whisker under R500.
has clamped down on the filming of its races. Pit insights and interviews will still be permitted for
Pricey yes, but well worth it for a book about
independent producers, but race footage will be limited to the UCI’s own accredited camera crews.
a true legend and gentleman of the sport.
There has also been a change at freecaster.tv, which has the sole streaming rights to mountain biking events: it’s no longer free. Apparently, a lack of big-buck sponsors has led to the online
Got a website, book, CD or DVD you
broadcaster to now list these live events and replays as “Premium Content” and start demanding
think we should check out, drop us a
a viewership fee to cover costs. It’ll now cost about R20 per event. Follow the directions on the
mail at info@treadmag.co.za and write
site to receive a code unlock via SMS to view. But keep an eye out for free special offers like the
‘Media’ in the subject field.
10 |
TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
one Scott offered for the opening World Cup event in Dalby Forest.
Clutter Seeding for MTB events With the continued growth of mountain bike events in South Africa, pressure has been mounting on organisers to re-look at the structure of their events. Complaints about crowding have been escalating, especially in events where there is a high percentage of singletrack. Environmental
3 Things…
impact management is also a concern with bigger entry numbers. The solution may be imminent with the introduction of SA Seeding (SAS). Started by Advendurance, the company that runs the MTN National Series, SAS will allow for seeded batch start groups similar to those used by road cycling events. The ROAG system, started in KwaZulu-Natal last year, has apparently been successful in reducing administration frustration for riders and event organisers alike and seeding has been one of the elements that’s required fine-tuning. “SAS will allow us to divide riders into smaller batches. At our MTN National Series marathon events, Riders will be seeded according to historic results and will start among riders with similar fitness levels,” explained Fritz Pienaar, MTN National Series Director. The seeding will be automated through a National Seeding Index, which is fed race results from events throughout South Africa. Access to the National Seeding Index is free to all race organisers and riders. “I am very excited about the SAS system and believe it is a big step forward for local mountain bike racing,” added Pienaar. According to the SAS, events are graded from A to D, based on prize money, number of participants and importance of the race. Events are
… we’d ask Ned Overend:
weighted as follows: EVENT TYPE
A
B
C
D
Ultra-marathon
100%
90%
80%
70%
Marathon (51–80km)
90%
80%
70%
60%
Half-marathon
80%
70%
60%
50%
1. Are you naturally so flippen lean? 2. What do you miss most about the old racing days? 3. What made you shave the moustache off?
(81km+)
(36–50km)
The closer you finish to the winner in an event, the better your seeding index rating. And obviously this is also dependent on the ranking of the event. An A-ranked event is more generous in its seeding index rating than a B-ranked event, and so on. There will be teething problems. And because there’s a valuable database at stake, there will be power struggles. But there will hopefully be a better racing environment once the system has been fine-tuned.
... that you should know, but probably don’t: 1. How many times Greg Minnaar has won the DH World Champs (once – 2003) 2. When the inaugural ABSA Cape Epic was held (2004) 3. Who Ned Overend is (first ever MTB XC World Champion – 1990; MTB legend)
For those that get to the fork in the road, and choose neither. Visit www.mtncycling.co.za
TREAD FEBRUARY/MARCH 2010
| 11
Clutter
29-inch good, 26-inch bad? A question of Orwellian proportions for the mountain bike industry. It was just a matter of time before somebody started winning major international cross-country races on 29-inch bike, forcing the industry – and the conservatives – to take note. TREAD staffers are very split on 29-inch bikes, but Burry Stander’s win at Sea Otter Classic, combined with the fact that 8 out of the top 10 finishers in the Elite men’s race were on 29-inch bikes, has resurrected the debate. Of course, by the time you read this, Burry could well have bagged a World Cup win on his Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 29er, which would then convince the Europeans that there might just be some merit in bigger hoops… After Sea Otter, Stander, on his 29-er placed third at Round 1 of the UCI World Cup in England, beaten by current World Champion, Nino Schurter (SUI) and current World Cup and Olympic champion, Julien Absalon (FRA) who were first and second respectively and 14 seconds ahead of Stander. The third place moved Stander into second place on the UCI XCO world rankings, a position he lost a week later when a crash and a puncture saw him finish 17th at Round 2 in Belgium.
Clutter
OFF-CAMBER Sweat GUTR We cyclists go to special lengths to dress up really funny. Don’t believe me? Try walking into a pub in the evening after a good session on the bike. Here’s a hint: It’s not just the rank funk which adversely affects your chances of meeting, well, anyone. The mad outfit which leaves you looking a bit like a lollypop has something to do with it, too. Reaching new heights in silliness, therefore, surely can’t be possible. Oh, but it is. We give you the Sweat GUTR. In readying for the photo for this product, we went all out: buff, daft ‘80’s style Rayban Aviators, helmet pitched at a cocky angle…and the inimitable Sweat GUTR, outlined for your viewing pleasure. This rubberized gadget is yet another bit of headgear for the overburdened pip. Strap it around your melon, and the gutter literally catches your secretions and channels them away from your eyes to create a couple of mini-waterfalls at each temple. As a fashion statement, it certainly says something, probably unmentionable. But despite our lampooning of the gadget, there are a couple of good things to say about it: firstly, it really works quite well. Secondly, it is a lot more discreet than our photo would indicate. Thirdly, it is a pretty amusing accessory. Can you imagine explaining what a Sweat GUTR is to the uninitiated? ‘Um, Gran, it’s a….’. You fill in the dots… Price: R150.00 (approx retail) Contact: www.sweatgutr.com 0824515266
Distributed with integrity by cyclesafrica.co.za | 0861 GO BIKE (46 2453)
Clutter
A BEER WITH…
ERICA GREEN By Sean Badenhorst
There are a couple of names that would bash the door down of a South African mountain biking hall of fame, should the sport ever get off its bottom and create one. Top of the pile has to be one of the dominant women of the early off-road scene here; Erica Green. TREAD travelled to her Somerset West training facility and popped a question or two: How did it all start – what got you onto a mountain bike in the first
executive in shape to ride the Epic is also really rewarding, to see their
place?
personal growth through it all. To expose them to so much knowledge,
I was living in Switzerland, in 1991, training as a dressage rider. Horses
so quickly, and see the results of their managed training is awesome.
had been my life, totally, but then I was introduced to this new sport. I
We also run training camps and tours, which also give me an excuse to
immediately loved the whole vibe – the colour, the friendly atmosphere.
ride my bike with other people.
Mountain biking was like a cult then, a whole lifestyle.
So what is the future of MTB in South Africa? Recreational or
You got into the competition side quite soon?
competitive stuff?
I enjoyed the challenge of racing mountain bikes, and when you enjoy
We will always have a solid racing scene here – we have awesome
something so much it makes it easier to do it well. I ended up going to
routes and places to race, and South Africans are so competitive,
two Olympic Games – Atlanta in ’96 and Sydney in 2000 – and spent a
by nature. If the world economy was healthier, we would be still be
while racing on the World Cup circuit. I had a highest ranking of 29th
having World Cups, the riders really love coming here. But I think the
in the world, for XC, and I managed an 11th-place finish at a DH World
recreational side is what will really start taking off. We need more
Cup. I also raced on the road and the track (I held the national 3000m
organised tours, more pre-set routes and rides, and we need to get
pursuit record for a while) for South Africa, including the Olympic Road
out there and explore more. We have such a beautiful country. And
Race in Atlanta.
mountain biking makes it accessible. I don’t need to tell you how riding
What were the highs and lows of your racing career?
out in the middle of nowhere makes you feel. Actually, you probably
There are no standout moments for me, really. Just competing was
need a poet to describe the euphoria you feel out on a ride! I can close
such a buzz, and racing gives you so many chances to race in different
my eyes and imagine the smell of the geraniums in Jonkershoek. I
places. I used to love spotting a track from the car, and then finding
would never have experienced them without the bike.
myself on it some time later, racing.
Last one: mountain biking can be intimidating to get into,
Regrets?
especially for women?
Not really. Sometimes I wish I hadn’t got so stressed when I raced, and
I see this a lot, but with a sensible strategy, anybody can get hooked!
had just enjoyed the moment more.
The first important thing is a bike the right size; if you are five-foot-six,
Do you still race?
your six-foot-tall boyfriend’s spare bike is never going to work. Ever.
Not really – I ride the odd Cape Epic, but that is more socially and for
Take the plunge, buy the right bike, and you won’t regret it. Next,
charity now. My focus is really on my coaching, but I end up riding quite
make sure the tyres are nice and soft – you will be more comfortable,
fast with some of my guys, so I keep fit and strong.
and be in control! Next, try and learn with people you are not close
Coaching is your full-time job now?
to – you can’t freak out as easily – either with friends, or through an
Yes – I love it. I love seeing the youngsters making progress – and I enjoy
outfit like ours (daisyway.co.za). Lastly, stick with it – it gets better
making sure they do it in the right way. We are also helping more and
every ride, and the sense of achievement strikes on every ride. I still
more corporate clients, and that is so rewarding. Getting a deskbound
get the buzz, nearly 20 years later.
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TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
Stoke
Mass Participation By Andy Ellis
relearning how to move their atrophied bodies. They bumble about. Some are still aimlessly riding their bikes, race numbers rattling like ghost town window shutters in a gale. Which way is home? Others push, trying their best to ignore the massive discomfort developing in the perineal area of their anatomies. I drive past a guy digging in the boot of his car. His bike, an ugly chunk of conveyorbelt engineering, lies in a discarded twist on the pavement. The traffic light I’m at goes red. I have time to stop and stare. I forget to breathe, my jaw agape. The man finds what he is looking for – a six-pack of beer. He hinges from the hips, hoisting his torso like a crane, showing off the extent of his body. He is huge. A beast. He doesn’t carry a boep, it’s more like a giant fold of glob that extends from the cup of his man boobs to this quads. I can’t see his shorts from the front. I wonder if he is the fattest man I have seen in real life. The fattest man – ever – to finish the cycle tour. He takes a sip of beer. Another tubby joins him. Not as obese, but
F
still… you know, fat. They high five. And my at men in little shorts - blubberous
peaceful mission. A protracted opportunity
heart attacks on wheels. Big-eyed
to marvel at the South African geographic
women. Helmets on backwards,
perspective.
traffic light goes green. How did these people get their medals? How did they avoid heart failure? Did they stop
wobbling like kids fresh off of
That precarious Lycra-skinned, mono-
for burgers en route? Did they fart inside of
training wheels - heinous accidents waiting
brained, cyclopede tickling its way around
the motley peloton? Did innocent bystanders
to happen. Medium-sized men in skin-tight
the Peninsula - it blurs the joy. Look, I’ll
die as a result? I see more unsuspecting
tops. Quipping stupid jokes – filling up the
give it this. The front end of the circus has
athletes flushing by and I smile. ‘Man,
portaloos. Skinny hot women – okay, awesome.
a decent time of it. At the sharp end, it’s a
this makes great material for Tread
But skinny men in yellow jerseys? Armstrongs
real race. The gun goes for A-group and its
magazine,’ I say out loud. I’ll write about the
feeling bok. And your guarantee of some kind
bam – a chance at the podium. Then bam
reasons not to ride the cycle tour.
of aggro inside of 109 kilometres.
a battle to hang with the best teams. Bam
“This bucket list of entrants flocking to
Yep, you guessed it. The start of the Cape
– the battle to come in under three hours.
the slaughter – to ‘just do it’ is not what
Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour: thirty-something-
Bam – 3.30. Bam – sub four. But then bam –
we are about,” I’ll say in the column. “We
thousand crank-happy fools about to be
the massive degrees of self-flagellation until
are mountain bikers. We are evolved. We
sucker-punched by their own ineptitude and
the sun sets.
have found the sublime peace of the trail.
an evil South Easter. So why? Why be another
------
The calm of nature. The freedom of open
dufus in the annual loop of the lemmings? I
space. Our sport requires a unique degree of So it’s around five in the afternoon and I’m
fitness, self-respect and dedication. It repels
driving to a movie, enjoying the freedom
Neanderthal mass participation. This thing
of the city now that the roads have been
we do is not an annual masquerade. It’s our
Back to me. Focus. Please, listen up. This
reopened after the event. I see these
daily way of being,” I continue musing, then
is what I call fun: riding my bike around the
people, the masses of survivors. Their eyes
I stop. And think. “Nah, that would make a
Cape Peninsula – on any other day of the
are vacant, their movements are spazzed.
terrible column. Nobody would agree. It’s
year. Now that’s a mind blow. A must do. A
Like decaying zombies, fresh from the grave,
probably just me.”
mean really. You call that fun? No man. That is your answer, right? Oh jeez, you didn’t say yes. Snap out of it.
16 |
TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
Blood, sweat and tears. And cuts. And bruises. And broken bones. MTN Cross Country Marathon events: • MTN XCM #5 Cullinan – 28 August 2010. • MTN XCM #6 Hilton 50 Miler – 26 September 2010. • MTN XCM #7 Crater Cruise – 9 October 2010. MTN Cross Country and Downhill Cup events: • MTN XC/DH #4 Nelspruit – 12/13 June 2010. • MTN XC/DH #5 Pretoria (SA Champs) – 17/18 July 2010.
Enter at www.mtncycling.co.za
Skill
How to pop a wheelie It’s advanced for some but a piece of cake for others. Either way it’s a skill worth mastering, both in terms of being able to ride more smoothly when you need to lift your front wheel on the trail; and for the sheer thrill of being able to do one of the most common tricks in the world. By Sean Badenhorst
F
ind a gently sloping uphill (tar or smooth gravel road is best). Ride slowly, just a bit quicker than walking pace and select a gear
that’s not hard, but not too easy. Middle chainring, and second cog on your cluster should be about right, or granny ring and lower down on the cluster. As your dominant foot is on its way up the pedal stroke from the bottom, push down on your handlebar by tilting your body forward. As your dominant foot reaches the 12 ‘o clock position, yank up
Want to improve your skills? We run regular TREAD Skills Clinics. For more information, visit www.treadmag.co.za
on the handlebar and power your dominant foot downwards. Yanking on the bars and powering your foot down should get the front wheel off the ground. Now keep up the power pedalling with both legs for a few pedal strokes and stay leaned back with your arms almost straight. You’re looking for the sweet spot, the point where your body is no longer straining and you are cruising along on the rear wheel. On an incline, you can generally keep pedalling, but there are two scenarios where you should stop pedalling momentarily:
1.
When you feel you’re leaning too far back and feel like you might flip backwards – easing off the pedalling can return you to the sweet spot.
2.
When you hit a speed that makes your cadence too fast – advanced wheelie-ers will shift gears in this case, but when starting out, just stop pedalling and let the speed reduce to point where it matches your cadence again.
The fear most have is of flipping over backwards. If you find this fear affects you significantly, then fit a pair of flat pedals to your bike, which allows you to skip off the back of the saddle and jog a few steps should the bike flip. A key factor in popping a successful wheelie is moderating your speed and ‘tilt’ by feathering the rear brake. This takes some practice, but start out by keeping
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TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
1
2
3
4
5
6
one or two fingers on your rear brake lever
Note:
when you’re first learning to wheelie. You
•
Most will benefit by dropping the
simply give a soft pull on the lever when
saddle a few centimeters when first
necessary, which should be done when
learning to wheelie. Once you get
you’re going a bit too quick or when you
the hang of it, you won’t need to
feel the bike tilting too far backwards, past your sweet spot.
drop it.
•
If you want further peace of mind
Once you’ve got a few pedal strokes
when learning to wheelie, practice
going in the wheelie position, you’ll find
on a grassy slope. This is usually
that the bike might tend to drift to one
more bumpy than tar or smooth
side. Shift your bodyweight slightly by
gravel, but it offers a soft landing
moving your hips to straighten it up and also
should you fall.
use your knees (swing them in or out a bit) for added balance.
•
Always wear your helmet, even if you’re practicing in your garden!
7 TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
| 19
Fuel
Liquid food
better balance of nutrients than meal replacements,” cautions Hillary Wright, RD, a nutrition counselor at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates in Boston. “Plus, using real foods forces you to make choices that help you maintain weight loss in the long run.
By Sean Badenhorst
However, if you are consistently missing a certain meal, such as breakfast, then a meal replacement shake is better than nothing. That’s because studies show eating breakfast fosters long-term weight control.” For those using a MRP as part of a weighttrimming diet, there’s good news: In a Journal of the American Dietetic Association study, women who lost weight on a reduced-calorie plan that included meal replacement shakes, maintained their losses after a year by drinking at least one diet shake a day in place of a regular meal. Their counterparts in the study, who lost weight on a conventional lowfat diet that did not use meal replacement shakes, regained most of their initial weight. “To lose weight or even to eat well while maintaining a healthy weight, you must
How often have you skipped a meal or just grabbed a slice of butter-smeared toast on your way out of the door because you simply didn’t have enough time? You could be in the market for meal replacement shakes.
O
kay we all know that you should
you from climbing hills more comfortably.
eat a very balanced mix of carbs,
Here’s why:
proteins and fats at least three
Meal replacement shakes (MRPs) are
times a day (but preferably six
generally a high-protein, low-fat, moderate
times). And then those carbs, proteins and
carbohydrate food source rich in vitamins
fats that you eat or drink should be as natural
and minerals. They are formulated to
and wholesome as possible. And you should
provide a maximal amount of nutrients with
prepare them in a way that bleeds as little
minimal body fat storage. Per serving these
of the natural nourishment from them as
powders usually contain 250-300 calories
possible. And then you should chew them
(1025–1230kJ), 35-45g of protein, 20-25g of
really, really well before swallowing…
carbohydrates, and 2-4g of fat. They also
Gulp! Who has time for that? Yeah, yeah, we should really make time to select, prepare
have between 50-100% of the RDAs for most of the major vitamins and minerals.
and eat our food in the way that we are
Protein sources in MRPs typically consist
recommended to by nutritionists, dieticians
of whey, calcium caseinate, milk protein
and health gurus. For most, it’s impractical
isolates, sodium caseinate, and egg albumin,
and our nourishment is probably never quite
which are all derived from milk and egg.
where it could be.
Carbohydrate sources usually consist of
Meal replacement shakes could be just
maltodextrin (short glucose chains), corn
the answer – not as a permanent substitute
syrup solids, or sucrose (table sugar). Fat
to natural foods, but as a convenient option
comes in the form of partially hydrogenated
when you’re pressed for time or if you’re keen
oils such as canola or coconut oils.
to trim some of that weight that’s preventing
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TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
“Whole
foods
provide
a
much
be a vigilant and defend against the many temptations out there,” says Cathy Nonas, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association and director of Obesity and Diabetes Program at North General Hospital in New York City. “Meal replacements shakes are easy, but they are also a lot healthier than most other choices you could make.”
Benefits of meal replacement shakes: • Quick to make – a couple of minutes from start to swallow • Easy to drink and available in a wide range of flavours • Low in simple sugars, preventing insulin spikes and cravings • Nutritionally balanced • Contain vitamins and minerals • Relatively cost effective • Effective in assisting with weight loss/ weight management Whole foods remain the first choice in an ideal world. Of course, the ideal world is a fictional construct in which we all ride top of the range bikes any time we want. For the real world, a meal replacement shake can be handy.
Have you seen a Ghost Expect to see a flash of light glide past you in the forest, rush past you down the mountain, thrust past you at full throttle. So smooth, so slick, so quick.
Brought to you by
BALLISTIC BIKE T
R
A
D
I
N
G
Exclusive Importers and Distributors of Ghost Bikes. Office: +27 11 023 4478; Email: info@bbtrading.co.za Website: www.ballisticbiketrading.co.za
Trail PHOTO: GREG BEADLE
22 |
TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
Lebanon Trails By Greg Beadle
REGION: Western Cape CLOSEST TOWN: Grabouw, with Cape Town city, just 45 minutes away DESCRIPTION: Being one of the first marked and regularly maintained trails in the Elgin area, Lebanon has built a reputation for being a ‘mustdo’ mountain bike trail in the Western Cape. With Elgin rapidly becoming the MTB Utopia of South Africa, the Lebanon Trails stand out as the most ‘natural’ trails, with Klipspringer often sighted in the forest and a true sense of being above the world as you climb out of the Lebanon Forest to reach the first summit of the famous Red Trail. With the vision and crafting of Lindy Zoutendyk and Dale Verran, the workforce of the Dirtopia team, as well as numerous volunteers investing time and energy over six months during 2003, the Lebanon Trails were opened to the public. Should you be looking for a ride that truly takes you away from the hustle and bustle, make your way out to the Oaklane Cottages where the trails start. Four different routes offer riders of every energy and technical level a fantastic experience, before meeting back at Oaklane to enjoy a picnic under the oak trees or on the lush lawns on the banks of the farm dam. The Red Route is the trail that most riders cherish with around 10km of climbing on jeep track, at which point the real fun starts with 17km of predominantly singletrack descending back to the starting point. DISTANCE: Starting with the mellow 5.8km Green Route, riders can also opt for the 10.3km, the 17.5km or the 27km Red Route. NOVICE: 9/10 (2 shorter trails) INTERMEDIATE: 9/10 ADVANCED: 8/10 TYRES: Mostly rocky riding and the fast S-shaped singletrack sections make tyres with great grip and strong sidewalls the ideal choice. BEST THING: Has to be the sound of nothing besides the occasional Fish Eagle call or your rear suspension working away as you make your way down the sensational singletrack. WORST THING: The climbing to get there (as with any trail) and then heartbreak hill, the short climb, right at the end of the single track sections, 2km from home. BEST SEASON: Any season, as the single track drains well in winter and is naturally sheltered by established plantations offering shade and protection from the prevailing winds through summer. GET THERE: N2 from Cape Town past Grabouw. After you pass Paul Cluver/ Kromco on your left, turn right onto The Valley Road. At 2.2km, turn right at the Oaklane Cottages sign. Follow the dirt road for 2km before reaching Oaklane Cottages. COST: R20 per rider into the honesty box, permits are checked en route. SECURE PARKING: Yes, hot showers and toilets too. BE CAREFUL OF… the Yellow-billed Kite that occasionally swoops down onto riders on the Red Route, leaving cool claw marks on helmets! BE SURE TO… not rush back to Cape Town – make time to relax, swim in the farm dam, and enjoy the shade of the oak trees. Families welcome. Best idea is to spend the weekend at Oaklane Cottages. Contact: www.lebanonmtbtrails.co.za or call 083 4618940 TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
| 23
Trail
Sani Spoors By Rob Lindegger
REGION: KwaZulu Natal CLOSEST TOWN/CITY: Underberg DESCRIPTION: The majesty of the Drakensberg is seldom appreciated by mountain bikers, mostly because there aren’t too many recognised mountain biking trails in our country’s biggest mountain range. But that’s starting to change as landowners realise the potential economic power of inviting mountain bikers to visit. One such place is Sani Spoors Mountain Bike Trails Park. Less than 10km from Underberg, Sani Spoors makes the most of the beauty of the southern Drakensberg with four colour-coded, marked mountain bike trails. Old game, cattle and jeep trails through forests and maize fields have been used to develop a natural environment for the novice and young at heart and to attract the newcomers. More adverse terrain has been used for the longer trails making sure the serious rider is challenged technically. All trails are circular, starting and finishing at the same point. At least 70% of the trails are singletrack, all very well marked. We found the trails to be well constructed and fun, no matter the weather conditions. Bridges were solid and well thought out. The 3km Intishitshi Trail is ideal for kids and novices and hugs the banks of the Umzimkhulu River, while the 7km Umzimkhulu Trail shares some of the Intishitshi Trail at the beginning and end with short climbs and fun descents thrown in. The 7km Milk Run Trail takes you to some sugary sweet singletrack with some longish climbs through pine forest, punctuated with mountain views. And the 13km Jackall Joll Trail, perfect for the fit or advanced rider, includes more climbing after splitting from the early part of the Milk Run Trail and takes you right up to the highest point on the property. The upside of course is the descent all the way back to the finish, which includes some technical rocky sections. DISTANCES: Four trails: 3km, 7km x 2, 13km NOVICE: 9/10 INTERMEDIATE: 9/10 ADVANCED: 7/10 TYRES: The terrain is varied, so a Maxxis Crossmark or Continental Mountain King, or similar, is recommended. BEST THING: The downhill return on the Jackall Joll and the beautiful mountain scenery. WORST THING: It’s quite a drive from Gauteng! BEST SEASON: The riding is good all year round, but expect rain in summer and bitterly cold mornings in winter. GET THERE: Take exit 99 off the N3 onto the R617. Head for Underberg, approximately 111km. The road is tarmac all the way with obligatory potholes! Travel through Underberg. After 3km turn right onto the Drakensberg Gardens Road. After 2km, turn left at the Sani Spoors sign. GPS co-ordinates are: -29º 45’ 58” +29º 27’ 41” COST: R40 per day for adults, R20 for children under 12. Annual membership is R600 for unlimited entry for the year. SECURE PARKING: Yes BE CAREFUL OF… Sunburn. Even in winter! Wear sunblock. BE SURE TO… Spend the weekend in the area. There’s loads of accommodation in the Underberg area. There’s also a fully licensed restaurant on the premises as well as a children’s playground and animal farm. CONTACT: Call 033 701 1111 or 082 222 2222; email info@sanispoors.com; visit www.sanispoors.com
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Trail
TREAD MAY/JUNE 2010
| 25
Feature
MTB heaven (and a bit of hell) -or, why you can still be proud of South Africa
Inimitably Cape Town. Or is it?
PHOTO: SVEN MARTIN
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TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
O
ur feature in TREAD 5 painted a grim picture of mountain biking in this country. But, all is not lost. In spite of the challenges we face with security, dodgy roads (ha! On a mountain bike?), dodgy electricity and dodgy government, we still have a beautiful country which offers astounding variety to do what we love. And sometimes the perspective of a outsider coming in provides valuable insight. Insight like that from Frank Hanauer, a German in South Africa...who contextualises his local experiences with what you can expect in Europe.
Feature One of my first mountain biking experiences in South Africa was a devilish one. I was surfing down the flowing single trail at Delvera Farm on the outskirts of Stellenbosch when I heard an all too familiar sound coming from my rear wheel. Upon inspection I found three sea urchin-like thorns deeply embedded in my tyre. With a smile in his face my riding partner Stephan Venter explained: “We call them duiweltjies - little devils. We have a lot of them here. Welcome to South Africa.“ This was 20 months ago, shortly after my wife Dani and I moved from Munich to Cape Town for a two year stint in the Mother City. Since then we have discovered all the spectacular MTB routes in the Western Cape - from Knysna to Lebanon, Tokai, Wellington and Ezelfontein. And after this experience we quickly learned - always use tyre sealants! Before we moved to Cape Town we had little idea of what to expect from mountain biking in South Africa. But we were eager for adventure and decided to bring our trusty bikes along. It was the right decision. We were, and still are, overwhelmed by the possibilities for mountain biking here. Where else can you cycle alongside the sea, climb up a mountain, enjoy breathtaking views and cruise down on technical single tracks - all that starting from home? South Africa’s slogan ‘A world in one country’ certainly rings true when it comes to mountain biking. From scenic tracks beside the shimmering ocean to flowing routes through indigenous forests and rocky downhills on rough mountain slopes, anything and everything is possible. I even had the chance to experience real wildlife from the back of my bike. In the Shamwari Game Reserve north of Port Elizabeth I cycled amongst giraffe and zebra (and even spotted a white rhino which was luckily a bit further away!) - a once in a lifetime experience that one only can have in Africa. What also impresses me is the excellent organisation of races through PPA or Dirtopia. I‘m not aware of anything like that in Germany and these races are perfect to experience new routes, stunning settings and they generate a warm and friendly atmosphere amongst fellow riders. TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
| 27
Feature Inimitably the European Alps. Or is it?
PHOTO: SVEN MARTIN
28 |
TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
Feature So, how’s that different from Europe? Our South African friends often want to know the difference between mountain biking here and in Europe. Well, actually there is not a lot. In terms of cycling the Cape Peninsula has a lot in common with Munich and its surroundings. The Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain in Cape Town are rivalled by the Alps and the Isar River in Munich. And instead of finishing off your ride at a wine estate, in Munich you can enjoy a cold beer or “Radlermaß“ (1 litre of shandy) in one of the many beer gardens. By the way, Radler means ‘cyclist’ in German and was allegedly created in a beer garden south of Munich called Kugler Alm. On a hot summer’s day in 1922 so many cyclists visited the Kugler Alm that the beer threatened to run out. So the owner Franz Xaver Kugler mixed the remaining beer with citrus lemonade to keep the cyclists happy - and named the drink after his customers. The rest is history. While Cape Town’s bike community enjoys riding on the slopes of Table Mountain after work (which ends a lot earlier than in Germany, luckily), in Munich hundreds of cyclists go racing on a smooth single track in the indigenous forest alongside the Isar River. Weekend is mountain time! Everyone heads off to the mighty Alps, the playground at your doorstep. There is no shortage of routes. The ‘bible’ for all mountain bikers is the Moser-Bike Guide. This book describes hundreds of tours, from easy to extreme, in the various regions of the Alps and the alpine upland. But the absolute mecca for mountain biking is Lake Garda in Italy. From Munich it‘s an easy 4-hour drive though the majestic Alps. At Lake Garda the sun shines more often than further north, the food is lovely (best Pizza at Ristorante Pace in Arco!) and the vibe is more relaxed sounds a bit like South Africa, doesn‘t it? At Lake Garda there are incredible routes to suit everyone, from CC-riders to Downhilljunkies. Once a year in April/May, Europe’s MTB community celebrates the famous Bike Festival here. More than 20,000 people come together to take part in races, check out the latest cycling gear and enjoy the various cycling shows. Lake Garda is also the final destination of many Trans Alp tours, beginning in Germany, Austria or Switzerland. I can highly recommend this beautiful region to any keen cyclist in the world. For my wife Dani and I, Lake Garda will be our just reward at the end of a 7-day trip in July starting in Ehrwald in Austria, encompassing 465km and 13800hm. But luckily without duiweltjies! TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
| 29
Feature
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TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
Feature
What to wear
Only a chosen few can make wearing jeans and a t-shirt on a bike look cool, as confirmed in this shot of 2003 Downhill World Champion, Greg Minnaar. The rest of us need to adhere to some guidelines in terms of what to wear when riding. Over the next few pages we’ve put together a guide of functional gear items for the more popular sub-disciplines of mountain biking. Understand that non-bicycle riders also live on this earth and have to actually see us; that is why we’ve included some style tips. We suggest you read those style tips carefully because we mountain bikers need to show that we are indeed a cut above our roadie brethren when it comes to not looking ridiculous on or around our bikes. By Sean Badenhorst
TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
| 31
Feature
CROSS COUNTRY
EYEWEAR Technical: Lightweight, must offer excellent peripheral vision. Lens should be clear, light-tint or adaptable to varying light conditions. Fit: Shouldn’t wiggle at all; should be easy to remove and store if necessary. Colours: Any colour you like, but preferably something that compliments your
HELMET Technical: Lightweight, well ventilated. Fit: Properly to ensure helmet doesn’t move in the case of a crash. Hint: When the strap is
helmet colouring. Style: Wear the eyewear over the helmet straps; remove the eyewear a soon as vision is compromised and store in a pocket or drop inside the front of your jersey.
undone, the helmet shouldn’t drop off your
JERSEY
head when you bend over.
Technical: Lightweight, sweat-wicking.
Colours: Any colour you like, preferably
Fit: Tight, but not too tight.
matching or complimenting the dominant
Colours: Preferably something that comple-
colours on your jersey.
ments your bike – or, if you’re lucky/fast
Style: Visor is optional, but most pros usu-
enough to be sponsored, those of your spon-
ally bin it.
sor. Club kit is sometimes compulsory for club members, but if not, wear a single or two/ tone jersey.
GLOVES
Style: Must be a proper cycling-specific jer-
Technical: Short-
sey. Anything else just looks out of place. Note
fingered or long-fin-
that any extra body bulges around your waist
gered, lightweight.
are accentuated by a tight-fitting jersey, so
Fit: <cough, cough>
limit your tight-jersey time accordingly, for
No clichés allowed
your comfort and those around you…
– they need to fit snugly but should
SHORTS
allow your fingers to
Technical: Lycra or Spandex style bib-shorts, highest quality
move freely. Colours:
you can afford.
Prefer-
Fit: Tight, but not too tight.
ably something that
Colours: Black – unless you’re sponsored then wear those
complements the
of your sponsor.
dominant colours in
Style: If you’re going to wear something tight, you really do
your riding jersey. As
want to look your most composed and black is your friend in
a default though, go
this regard (if you don’t believe us, check the Skin Tight Ain’t
neutral (white, black
Right competition on www.treadmag.co.za). To wear tight
or gray).
Lycra or Spandex is a privilege, not a right. Roadies tend to
Style: Make sure you
abuse this privilege, let’s not do the same. Only pro’s should
wash them regularly
really be permitted to wear their racing shorts off the bike
– they’re in contact
and then, only while they wait for the podium ceremony to
with your hands and
be completed.
you wash those regularly don’t you?
SOCKS Technical: Cycling-specific. Fit: Snug.
SHOES Technical: Super-light, super-stiff mountainbike specific, three-point adjustment design. Fit: Snug. Colours: White, silver or black are the most popular colours. Style: Keep ’em clean, replace them if they’re looking tatty.
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TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
Colours: Anything but white, unless, like double Olympic and five-time World Champion, Julien Absalon (pictured), you have an endless supply that you can chuck away after each race. Style: If you’re old-school, ankle-length; if you’re new-school or very, very old-school, then mid-calf. Know this: Tennis socks are for tennis. Period. There’s no excuse not to wear cycling-specific socks, which some companies, such as Falke, have even divided into road and mountain bike options.
MARATHON
HELMET Technical: Lightweight, well-ventilated Fit: Properly to ensure helmet doesn’t move in the case of a crash. Hint: When the strap is undone, the helmet shouldn’t drop off your head when you bend over. Colours: Any colour you like, preferably one that matches or complements the dominant colours on your jersey.
GLOVES
Style: A visor is recommended, but not compulsory.
Technical: Short-fingered, or long-fingered, comfortable. Fit: Snug, but not too snug. Colours: Anything you like, but it should complement the dominant colours in your riding jersey or it should be neutral (think black or gray). Style: Make sure you wash them regularly. The state of your gloves is a reflection of your level of personal hygiene.
JERSEY Technical: Lightweight, sweat-wicking, short-sleeved or sleeveless. Fit: Tight-ish or slightly loose. Colours: Preferably something that complements your bike – or, if you’re lucky/fast enough to be sponsored, those of your sponsor. Club kit is sometimes compulsory for club members, but if not, wear a single or two/tone jersey. Style: Must be a proper cycling-specific jersey. Unless you’re a woman,
EYEWEAR Technical: Lightweight, tough. Lens should be light-tint or adaptable to varying light conditions. Fit: Shouldn’t wiggle at all; should be easy to remove and store if necessary. Colours: Any colour you like, but preferably something that complements your helmet colour. Style: Wear the eyewear over the helmet straps; remove the eyewear a soon as vision is compromised and store in a pocket or drop inside the front of your jersey.
sleeveless is only acceptable when it’s baking hot, no matter how large your arm muscles may be…
SHORTS Technical: Lycra or Spandex style bib-shorts, highest quality you can afford (OR MTB-specific baggy shorts). Fit: Lycra/Spandex – tight, but not too tight. Colours: Black – unless you’re sponsored then wear those of your sponsor. Style: Okay, make sure the legs of the shorts are pretty equal in terms of where they reach on your upper legs. It just looks so damn beginnerlike and dorky when one is higher than the other. Limit your bib-shorts time. Remove them asap afterwards to ensure bacteria from sweat and grime don’t find a permanent home in Sweaty Chamois Estate.
SOCKS Technical: Cycling-specific. Fit: Snug. Colours: Anything but white. Style: Just make sure you wear socks – you are not a triathlete.
SHOES Technical: Mountain-bike specific, three-point adjustment design. Fit: Snug. Colours: Unless you have an overwhelming desire to stand out, go for black, gray or silver. Style: Keep ’em clean, replace them if they’re looking tatty.
HYDRATION PACK Most marathon racers wear hydration packs, despite the discomfort they bring. Know this: They’re only necessary for really long rides. Your 90-minute local trail spin doesn’t qualify as a long ride – you’re just carrying unnecessary weight around. TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
| 33
Feature
TRAIL HELMET
practical (black, brown or gray).
Technical: Slightly more robust with a
Style: Keep ’em clean. Good hygiene never
deeper rear profile that protects more area
goes out of style.
than a traditional lightweight XC/marathon
JERSEY
lid, but still light-ish with as much ventilation
Technical: Lightweight, sweat-wicking,
as possible.
short-sleeved or long-sleeved.
Fit: Properly to ensure helmet doesn’t move
Fit: Slightly loose, bordering on baggy.
off your head in the case of a crash.
Colours: Preferably something that
Colours: Usually they’re available in more
complements your bike –a single or two/
muted colours, but opt for a more neutral
tone jersey is best.
tone such as gray or black to match any of
Style: No tight stuff required here. You
your gear.
want all-day comfort and to not look like an
Style: A visor is recommended, but not
athlete when you stop for lunch or drinks.
compulsory. A helmet camera is an accessory
SHORTS
you should definitely consider in order to
Technical: MTB-specific baggy shorts.
record your trail rides, some of which are –
Fit: The inner liner must be snug.
sadly – never repeated.
Colours: First find a pair that fits you then
EYEWEAR
choose a colour. Opt for something neutral
Technical: Lightweight, tough. Lens should
and practical, preferably darker or earthy
be light-tint or adaptable to varying light
colours.
conditions.
Style: Just by wearing MTB-specific baggies
Fit: Shouldn’t wiggle at all; should be easy to
you score real style points…
remove and store if necessary.
SOCKS
Colours: Any colour you like, but preferably
Technical: Cycling-specific
something that complements your helmet
Fit: Snug
colour.
Colours: Anything but white
Style: Wear the eyewear over the helmet
Style: Just make sure you wear socks –
straps.
nothing cool about blistered feet after an
GLOVES
all-day trail outing.
Technical: Long-fingered, comfortable.
HYDRATION PACK
Because trail rides can take many hours,
In our opinion, the only MTB discipline
ensure your gloves are appropriately padded,
where the hydration pack is an essential
especially on the palm.
piece of gear. Just makes sense for rides
Fit: They need to fit snugly, but still give you
that last hours and hours and take you
ample finger-movement freedom.
far from food and drink sources (and bike
Colours: Anything you like, but it should
shops). Medium-sized packs offer a good
complement the dominant colours in your
compromise between comfort and storage
riding jersey or it should be neutral and
space.
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TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
Feature
SHOES Technical: Mountain-bike specific, threepoint adjustment design. Fit: Snug. Colours: Unless you have an overwhelming desire to stand out, go for black, gray or silver. Style: Keep ’em clean, replace them if they’re looking tatty.
TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
| 35
Feature
HELMET Technical: Either a robust helmet with a deeper rear profile or, for more hardcore descending and high-risk riding, a full-face helmet. Fit: Properly to ensure helmet doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t move in the case of a crash. Colours: Anything you like, but know that at this level, colours are usually dark and the finishes are usually matte. Style: A visor is recommended on both styles of helmet.
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TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
FREERIDE
Feature
EYEWEAR Technical: If you’re going with the regular-style helmet, choose lightweight, tough eyewear. If you’re going with a full-face helmet, then choose goggles to protect your peepers. Fit: Shouldn’t wiggle at all; should be easy to remove and store if necessary. Colours: Any colour you like, but preferably something that complements your helmet colour. Style: Anyone wearing goggles and a full-face helmet on a bicycle looks daring. Daring is always cool…
GLOVES Technical: Long-fingered, comfortable, padded in the right places. Fit: They need to fit snugly, but still give you ample finger-movement freedom. Colours: Anything you like, but it should complement the dominant colours in your riding jersey or it should be neutral (black, brown or gray). Style: Freeriding makes for the best photos. Get a second pair to match your other jerseys…
JERSEY Technical: Lightweight, long-sleeved or short-sleeved. Fit: Baggy, but not saggy. Colours: Preferably something bright so your buddies can see you disappearing in the distance down a hectic descent. Style: Take a second jersey in your vehicle so you have the option to choose. Best not to have too similar a colour to your freeriding mates as identity from a distance counts…
SHORTS Technical: Tough, comfortable. Fit: Baggy; no other options – ever! Colours: Anything you like, although muted or earthy tones dominate this garment sector. Style: Don’t fill the pockets with stuff, besides looking silly, the contents will either get lost or become a source of additional bruising/scraping should you tumble.
SOCKS Technical: Mountain bike or skate style Fit: Snug. Colours: Anything but white Style: Mid-calf dominates this category, although ankle-length is fine too – just no pastel shades please.
SHOES Technical: Freeride/DH shoes are recommended, but you can also use regular MTB shoes. Fit: Snug. Colours: Darker is more practical. Style: Wash them regularly.
PADS Knee, elbow and chest pads are optional but recommended for obvious reasons. TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
| 37
Feature
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TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
Feature
DOWNHILL HELMET Technical: Full-face, period. Preferably carbon fibre for its light weight. Fit: Firm – no fine-tune adjustment possible so choose the size carefully. Colours: Bright, loud, metallic – whatever matches your personality. Style: Unless you’re sponsored by them, a Red Bull or Monster sticker says copycat. This is one place you can wear your originality, so make the most it with a custom spray job.
EYEWEAR Technical: Goggles. Fit: Secure, but not too tight. Colours: Whatever grabs you, not necessarily something that blends in with your helmet. Style: When not descending at speed, wear them on your forearm or around your neck – just looks cool.
GLOVES Technical: Long-fingered, more robust – think MX-style gloves. Some have carbon fibre panels in the knuckles for added protection. Fit: Not quite as snug as other MTB discipline gloves Colours: Anything you like, but it should complement the dominant colours in your riding jersey or it should be neutral (black or gray). Style: Keep ’em clean.
JERSEY Technical: Lightweight, long-sleeved, DH-specific. Fit: Baggy, needs to fit over the chest and elbow padding. Colours: Anything goes, but try ensure your jersey matches or complements your shorts. Style: Push your sleeves up your forearms if you have to, but never wear a short-sleeved jersey for DH!
SHORTS Technical: Tough, comfortable, knee-length, padded on the quads and lower back areas. Fit: Baggy, but not too much so. Must accommodate knee/shin pads Colours: Anything you like, but black and gray are most practical. Style: Perfect length – just below the knee when standing.
SOCKS Technical: Mountain bike or skate style Fit: Snug. Colours: Black is best. Style: Mid-calf is where it’s at.
SHOES Technical: DH-specific shoes have greater ankle support, toe protection and wide soles that can get maximum pedal grip. Most riders use cleated shoes, but some prefer ‘flats’. Fit: Snug. Colours: Mostly available in black, gray, brown and white. Whatever you think looks most cool. Style: Tatty isn’t good. Upgrade regularly – your feet will thank you.
PADS Don’t start a big descent without knee, elbow and chest pads. A neck support brace is also highly recommended. TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
| 39
Feature
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TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
Ten-speed comes of age
Consumer
Remember the good old days when all you ever wanted was that red ten-speed you saw in the bike shop window? Well, in the world of cycling, the wheel turns. Duh. Sometimes quite oddly, at that, and I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean a buckled rim, either. By Donovan Jackson
TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
| 41
Consumer
S
RAM, which blew us all away with
When pedaling steep climbing sections
the introduction of its ten-speed XX (which the Latin scholars among us will know adds up to 20...with the
two-chainwheel setup offered on the topend SRAM crankset). But of course, being up there in the stratosphere, above the wellproven, loved and trusted X-0, the delectable XX groupset was (is) out of the reach of many of us mere mortals. So much so TREAD’s test team hasn’t been able to secure a groupset yet – but it’s on the cards. Given that ten-speed just makes so much, you know, sense, given that road bikes have had ten cogs back there for goodness-knowshow-long, the news gets better. Even as SRAM announces that its mid-and-lower end X7 and X9 gruppos are going 10-speed, news comes out of Shimano that it too, is chucking an extra bit of metal on the rear cassette.
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TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
Combining wider gear ratios with CloseStep chainwheel minimizes cadence change and pedaling loss making power transfer more efficient
SRAM X9 on bike
Now, just a word on our collective gullibility.
Where Shimano is differing from SRAM is
Adding an extra cog, it seems, has been
that it is staying with a 3-blade configuration
the central upgrade strategy in component
up front; the merits of each setup can be
manufacturing since time immemorial. Not
argued one way or another. We believe in
yet 35 years of age, I can still remember
options; with each major manufacturer doing
the days of five-speed screw-on clusters.
something a bit different, that’s just what you
Then six speed! When Dura Ace came out
get. Having allowed the unfortunate process
with a 7-speed cassette, it was like the
of bodily entropy to take its evil course
gods of groupsets had come down from
(perhaps the most complex way ever used to
the clouds to deliver rapture. Imagine the
say ‘I’m unfit), a puffing ride up Groenkloof in
joy when 8-speed arrived. However, by the
Pretoria resulted in the observation, “In this
time 9-speed entered the market, many of
state, more gears are always welcome.”
us were starting to suspect a pattern…
Shimano reckons it’s about a whole lot
So, while we’re all raving about the
more than just the extra coglet, though.
awesomeness of ten-speed, it does seem
Famous for its smart marketing of gear
like a no-brainer, since that’s been the
systems (who could resist imagining the
number of cogs on road bike freewheels
smoothness of Superglide…then Hyperglide…
for ages. So it really shouldn’t be that
yeah), the Japanese giant has dubbed its
big a deal to translate that to the MTB
ten-speed groupsets Dyna-Sys. Dyna-Sys
scene, particularly when one considers
Technology, mind you.
that the chains on the bikes are the same
According to the pre-release press
anyway (except of course that a ten-
materials, more than an extra gear, Dyna-
speed is marginally narrower…you can use
Sys is about closer gear ratios and riding
a 10-speed road cog with a 9-speed MTB
optimised gear combinations. That, we’re
cassette and chain, is what we’re getting
happy with. Harder to believe is the bits
at here).
about those ratios resulting in smoother
Anyway. Back to Shimano and what it is
shifting (?) performance and optimised power
busting out on the ten-speed front. Where
transfer…not something we’ve ever felt was
SRAM went for it at the top end, sneaking
lacking in the ‘good old’ 9-speed groups. But
in a whole new groupset in XX (reminds us
we hope to be corrected, as the local agents,
of when XTR was introduced to trump XT),
Cool Heat, have assured us that there will be
Shimano has gone the route we’ve seen it
a set to test very soon.
take in the past: new developments coming
The ten-speed Shimano goodies were due
in on the midrange. That’s right, the much-
in June. Just as soon as we get it, we’ll put
loved Deore XT and SLX groups are now
it to the TREAD test. But what we are
offered with an extra cog out back.
sure about is that 9-speed is all but dead and buried as ten speed comes of age.
Atera products are developed and manufactured in Germany. For more info visit www.atera.co.za
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TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
MAGAZINE
TREAD M O U N TA I N B I K I N G W I T H S O U L
TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
| 45
Industry Focus
Who is behind: Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park? If you’ve been down to the lush parts of KwaZulu-Natal, just as you approach the Marianhill Toll Plaza, you’ll notice a long bridge with an imposing hillside on the left and a sheer cliff on the right. Below this bridge – and all the way across to that hillside – lies one of the hidden treasures of fine mountain biking. That’s where Giba Gorge is situated – and it is good enough to warrant the five hour drive from Johannesburg to spend a weekend at. Fantastic, purpose-built trails – and a lot more – await. We met with Jason Nichols and Chris Harburn, the men behind the initiative… By Donovan Jackson
What does it take to get a project like Giba Gorge Park off the ground?
the customer happy, to try and be the best
mountain bike fit, you must try going as hard
we can be. We feel that for the most part
as you can on a BMX. It’s quite something else
we are achieving this. While all the Giba
and you will definitely see the benefit that BMX
The funny thing with Giba is that it mostly
staff have worked exceptionally hard to
could offer in terms of bike control, pumping
evolved, as opposed to having been planned.
create what is now a outdoor family lifestyle
and bunny hops.
With none of us having ever been to a mountain
centre, it never would have been possible
What makes Giba special?
bike park before, it was more or less a gut feel
without the continued help and support of
Giba is unique in that it caters for the
thing. As has always been the case with Giba,
many passionate riders. They actually got
unquenchable thirst of the adrenalin seeking
there were people who had a keen interest in
physically involved in cutting trails, building
mountain biker. The natural terrain that makes
mountain biking who wanted to help.
jumps, the BMX track, the downhill, the
up the valley in which Giba lies, offers just
In the beginning Ian Wilson was involved and
freeride stuff. All these aspects of the park
about every technical aspect of riding in rapid
got the ball rolling. I remember we knocked
were guided by and built by passionate
progression. You are constantly twisting and
out about 7km of trail, which led the way for a
customers who just wanted a place where
turning, dropping and climbing in thick lush
provincial cup XC race hosted by Maverick MTB
they could ride their hearts out. To this day,
indigenous bush. In terms of distance, we are
Club. It was literally a case of trying to hang on
they still help out and continue to add new
limited to about 30km in the park, with possible
from then, as we rushed to build a bar as a way
sections to the park.
link up options to external trails outside the park. However that 30km is pure quality. It
behind it and a restaurant area in front.
There’s a BMX track too, what’s the level of interest in BMX down those parts? Is there ‘crossover’ to MTB?
This turned out to be the start of a never-
The BMX track was again something that
ending cycle (ha ha – Ed) of infrastructure
grew straight out of the efforts of the BMX
What’s the response from the MTB public been like?
developments, while we kept adding trails
community. We started with one table
Ever since we opened the response has been
as fast as we could. The support from riders
top, and three years later we’ve hosted
great. However, the park needed to diversify to
was – and always has been – fantastic, and it
two SA BMX Nationals on a top class track.
become sustainable. As a result we now have an
allowed us to keep forging ahead. And, as the
The progression of the track has been
art gallery, a conference centre, an upmarket
trails in the park grew, so did our little hub
proportional to the growth of the sport. We
bush camp, camp sites, dirt jumps, an organic
based around the restaurant.
are seeing a steady growth and interest in
nursery, a joint venture with TVG (The Ventures
So it’s a bike park built by people who love to ride their bikes?
BMX, and the track here has always been
Group) who do team builds and corporate
a favourite for the kids. It’s also a source
events, as well as hosting music events from
It would be true to say that the park was
of agony for mountain bikers, as they pick
time to time. Ultimately, it has become a
designed and built by the people who come
up their ‘Giba tattoos’ trying to mimic the
lifestyle centre for families, with its focus
here to enjoy it. It was not a preplanned
lighties. I haven’t noticed much of a cross
being a bike park. This has helped generate
concept but rather evolved organically. It has
over either way between the disciplines,
foot count and revenue. We currently see a
always been a case of working hard to keep
but I can tell you that if you think you are
split of about 50% non riders and 50% riders.
to generate some additional income for the park. In order to feed our new-found riders, the bar counter evolved to include a kitchen
46 |
TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
will test your skills and fitness and you will undoubtedly whoop like a child as you pin your ears back and ride like a demon possessed.
Industry Focus PHOTO: XXX
What are the major challenges of operating the venue?
Annual Membership
are now fully in place, and it is time to put
Adult: R840 once off or R70 a month
some additional trails in. The focus of any
The park is unfenced, and as a result riders can
Child (under 12yrs): R420 once off or R30 a
new routes will be entry-level contour-driven
pretty much enter from anywhere. Up until a
month
trails to add distance and offer more up for
month ago we operated partially on an honesty
Family package: Two adults @ R70 each and
the beginner and intermediate rider. We are
system, whereby you collected a ticket and
each additional child is R20 / month.
also working hard on looking for a title naming
took it upon yourself to go to the trail centre
What does the park future hold in?
rights sponsor for the park; this is one of our
and pay before leaving. Unfortunately this
We have had to operate a lean workforce for
highest priorities at the moment. Finding the
proved to be open to too much abuse, and we
the last two years and as a result we have not
right partner which reflects our ethos and vision
have since worked on creating a gate at the
seen as many new trails as we would have
will enable us to ensure the park not only stays
entrance so you now pay before you enter. It
liked. This year we have kind of reached a
a major attraction in KZN and South Africa, but
is still possible to enter the park undetected,
point where the infrastructure and facilities
will entice international visitors as well.
but we have initiated a membership system, whereby if you ride only twice a month, your membership is paid for. We hope that this will encourage most riders to sign up and thereby avoid the hassle of having to pay each time they come. It works out to R70 a month for an adult!
What does it cost to stop by and have a ride? Day visit Adult: R40 Child (under 12yrs): R15 Non rider (Friday, Sat, Sun, public & school holidays): R10 Non Rider (Tues to Thurs): Free
Find it: Approaching from the Durban area: • Travelling on the N3 north towards Pietermaritzburg • Take the Stockville Rd offramp (before the Mariannhill Toll Plaza) • Keep making a right turn till you doubleback under the freeway. • Take the next right towards Stockville Quarry (dirt road). • Follow the dirt road for approx 3kms past Zorg’s Spot. • Just before the quarry (weighbridge office), make a short left turn. • Turn right towards the big thatched building — that’s us!
GPS co-ordinates: 29 ° 49’ 37.83” S | 30 ° 46’ 52.25” E
Approaching from PMB side: • Travelling on the N3 south towards Durban • After the Mariannhill Toll Plaza, take the Marianhill offramp • Double-back onto the N3 as if you were going back towards PMB • Take the Stockville Rd offramp (before the Mariannhill Toll Plaza) • Keep making a right turn till you double-back under the freeway. • Take the next right towards Stockville Quarry (dirt road). • Follow the dirt road for approx 3km past Zorg’s Spot. • Just before the quarry (weighbridge office), make a short left turn. • Turn right towards the big thatched building — that’s us!
TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
| 47
Industry Leader
Quality Custodian
By Sean Badenhorst
Rob Cunnington is a purist mountain biker who has been a top racer and through his business, Cycles Africa, is now an importer of some of the most prestigious brands. He’s also rated as one of this country’s top bike mechanics.
Q
How many years have you been working in the SA MTB industry?
I started working part time in bike shops back in 1994, while I
was still at school. My first job was at Robbie Macintosh Cycles in
Q
Randburg. So that makes it 16 years now. Are you surprised at the recent growth sport? I don’t think “surprised” is the right word to describe the
growth we have seen in the industry. Both the industry and the sport
significant knowledge and skills and in some cases special tooling in
have seen fairly consistent growth over the past 6–8 years. Even during
order to service and maintain it. Also, there is amongst customers, a
the “cheese recession” as I like to call it, the industry was relatively
lack of the understanding of embedded value for money. We can offer
Q
stable. Surprised – not really. Excited for the future – Definitely!
some MTB products with a 10-year warranty. That is a huge plus for
Where do you think MTB in SA will be in the next five
the rider who now knows that he has got 10 years of product security.
years?
If you take a higher priced product and divide by 10 then you really
I believe that it will continue to grow, particularly in areas like
stage races and classic marathon events. MTB is a fantastic family recreational activity, I see more people doing organised MTB tours,
Q
keeping the riding social yet exciting. You’re a former top downhiller, do you still ride DH much? I do, when time allows. I stopped riding competitively a
number of years ago but the thrill of hitting some technical descents still gets my adrenaline pumping. Since I moved from Johannesburg to Cape Town I have been riding more and more DH as we have such
Q
good trails right on our doorstep. How do you think we can grow DH in SA?
can understand your annual investment, not only financially, but also
Q
in product performance and reliability. You worked as a pro mechanic for a few years. Highlights? I worked for the Manchester Velodrome in the UK, then
for Manitou suspension in California in their R&D department. I also worked on the Norba and World Cup circuits with legends like John
Q
Tomac and Paulo Pezzo. What is your advice to aspiring young bike mechanics? Keep an open mind and be willing to learn. Make a point
of learning more than just about fixing bikes. Expanding your horizon into areas like fitting and turning, engineering principles
Growing DH in SA is not an easy task. In certain parts of the
and general mechanical know-how will only enhance your abilities
country we lack access to land on which to build DH courses, while
and understanding of how to work on bikes. Finally, invest in, and
in other areas we lack people power to arrange and put on events.
treasure, good tools. No mechanic can work effectively with poor
What we really need is for the guys who ride DH to get involved in the
quality tools. Always buy the best you can afford, care for them and
sport and assist in course building and putting on events, instead of
use them properly to do the job for which they were intended.
continually complaining about the people who do put on races and
Q
the courses that they build.
Q
What is your current favourite trail and why? That would have to be Lebanon. There is such an abundance
As an importer of some of MTB’s highest quality brands,
of trails and great single track. It’s a great mix of flowing single track
what is your biggest frustration?
and technical rock routes. It’s a great day’s riding.
Top of the list right now is a general misunderstanding of how
products work. How they are designed to work and how they should
Visit www.cyclesafrica.co.za for more on Rob and his brands,
be serviced. The modern, high performance bike part requires
which include Race Face, Hayes, Cane Creek and Motorex.
48 |
TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
Industry Leader
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Gear
CHOICES, CHOICESâ&#x20AC;Ś Our test team tell it like it is when it comes to locally available bikes and gear. *Gear prices supplied: RRP
PHOTO: Craig Dutton TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
| 51
Tested
CHUMBA VF2 | R29000 Chumba is an Anaheim-based company that
Avid Juicy Fives to scrub it. Truvativ Stylo
as the stiff frame provided a stable platform.
started off as a small back-of-bike-shop
seatpost and bars completed the build.
And, while on short punchy out-of-saddle
operation by Ted Tanouye. Over 17 years,
Seating arrangements were Chumba’s
bursts over moderately rocky inclines the
his business has grown among the Southern
own. The VF2, like the other five bikes in
VF2’s rear end felt a tad skittish, it handled
California crowd and beyond. Prototypes
the manufacturer’s range, is available as a
great over very slow technical granny-gear
are all still designed and built in-house
frameset with different build kit options.
ascents. The pros do, however, seem to
while production of Tanouye’s frames has
The local importer also offers buyers the
outweigh the cons.
shifted to Asia.
option of tailoring and pimping your build.
THE BIKE
THE RIDE
bike comes into its own. Point and shoot, and
The VF2 is a head-turner as much for its
Tanouye built his reputation on his gravity
let it do the rest. You don’t feel the little hits,
finish in a number of options (our test rig
machines, but when the VF2 was first rolled
and on the bigger ones it wants to launch itself,
came in an anodised electric blue) as for its
out it was aimed at being a bike that could
and before landing, the bike’s already eagerly
sleek looks. The front triangle is made from
be used for both XC and light all-mountain
looking out for the next one to grab some air
bead-blasted hydroformed aluminium.
duties. The first impression after throwing
off. The lack of lateral movement on the
The geometrically shaped top tube drops,
a leg over the saddle is that it tends more
swingarm means swooping, bermed corners
tapers and bends fluidly down to the
towards the latter.
are railed at will, with rarely a suggestion
It’s when the trails point downhill that the
over-sized seat tube. While this provides
Despite a relaxed front end the VF2
of the back end slipping away - although
plenty assurance that you’re unlikely to be
loves cornering at speed and turned out to
the temptation to throw huge powerslides is
banging your knees in the twisty stuff, it’s
be very nimble even in tight singletrack.
always lurking. The very-centred ride position
the beefy downtube that inspires the most
While the 120mm of Fox suspension front
makes pulling up the front end to manual over
confidence, getting wider as it reaches the
and rear proved active and reliable in
obstacles a breeze.
bottom bracket shell.
rutted and cambered turns, some testers
THE VERDICT
This is all coupled to a mostly carbon
reported a tendency of the VF2 to use up
The VF2 may not be the perfect choice
fibre rear triangle, via a four-bar Horst-
all almost the travel under very heavy
for short, multi-lap XC-type courses, but
style linkage and a Fox RP23 shock, solid
cranking out of corners, which could, at
by pairing a superlight build kit with some
bearings and subtly accented anodised
times, negate the confidence of having a
suspension dialling and tweaking it could
bolts. The machined dropouts are neat and
high bottom bracket.
hold its own in this genre. For the marathon
chunky, as is the key-shaped hanger.
We’re undecided on its all-round
racer it provides efficient power transfer
Our test Chumba was kitted out an
climbing ability. It handles long, seated
and a comfortable, confident ride. But the
XT wheelset and came with a reliable
climbs with ease and we rarely felt the
Chumba’s heart and soul is all-mountain. It
XT drivetrain to put the power down and
need to engage the Fox’s Pro-pedal setting
seems to wants to play more than be raced.
52 |
TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
Tested
PHOTO: Craig Dutton
TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
| 53
Tested
GIANT TRANCE | R33 995 When Giant first launched its new line of
a rhythm, rather than mashing at the pedals
how hard you are trying to stop. Certainly, we
Maestro suspension bikes, a few years back,
and hoping it is over quick. Once you adopt
enjoyed the way the TranceX railed it through
the world and his Epic-racing dog scrambled
this mindset, seated climbing is a breeze,
high-speed, rutted sections, and allowed us
for the Anthem model. Nonsense, we shouted.
with plenty of rear-wheel traction on offer,
to brake with impunity, with out the wheel
Buy the Trance. Four inches is perfect – extra
and little tendency for the front wheel to
locking up every time it hit a bump. If there
comfort, extra control and, above all, a bike
float around on the steep stuff. The long
were a Nobel prize for taming stutter bumps,
you can use for the other 357 days of the
chainstays are a pleasure during low-speed
we might have found a winner.
year. Now, the AnthemX has been bumped up
climbing, giving some much-needed grip,
The big-hit performance is less remarkable,
to four inches, and the TranceX is the new kid
and at higher speeds, the long wheelbase
but in no way any less efficient, it’s just that
on the all-mountain block.
makes for a stable bike, especially when
we ride a lot of bikes today that handle the
THE BIKE
you are hammering along. There is little
big ones well – if anything, this is the easy
In the TranceX, we find a full-blown all-
pedal-action on the suspension, for a long
part of suspension design. The difference,
mountain bike, with no pretences of being
travel bike, especially when seated, but
as ever, is in the smaller stuff, and we found
anything else. The five inches of travel is
we invoked the ProPedal option on the
the TranceX kept us in control for longer, and
applied in a way that makes you, for the first
rear shock for climbing out of the saddle,
in comfort for longer, through protracted
rear, is silky-smooth and boasts a 15mm
something not necessary when seated. The
medium-to-rough surfaces that flummoxed
ThruAxle, which stiffens up the front end
position is relatively upright, so you can
other bikes. And with less fatigue, we kept
considerably. A set of Deore XT hoops, with
really get some airflow into the lungs, and
some reaction time in reserve for the really
knobblies from Kenda, are driven through a
the riser bars are wide and comfortable.
fun, gnarly stuff.
Deore XT/XTR drivetrain setup, and stopping
The outlook is very much let’s-play, not
THE VERDICT
power comes via a set of Avid’s accomplished
let’s-hammer, although you would not lose
The TranceX is no longer a two-timer. If you
Elixir R hydraulic brakes, with a 185mm
much time to a more racy machine if the red
want to ride an Epic, the AnthemX is the ride
disc on the front. An in-house finishing kit is
mist does descend. The way back down is
of choice. If your mojo is calling the other 357
topped off by a Fizik Gobi saddle; the whole
when the TranceX really comes into its own.
days of the year, then we think you should
package just shouts reliability.
The Maestro suspension creates a virtual
look no further than this. Sure, you could find
THE RIDE
pivot point through four fixed pivot points,
a lighter play bike, but not at this price, or
As we said earlier, the ride from the car is
and two linkages, which combine to make a
with this understated pedigree. If weight is
all downhill, but that fades fast as you begin
surprisingly stiff rear end. There is less pedal
critical, take a look at the carbon TranceX
to hit the dirt. Climbing is not in the league
flex than we expected, and Giant claims it
Advanced SL… it will shed more than a kilo,
of the short-travel racing machines, and you
also isolates the braking forces totally, so you
but burn your pocket at nearly double the
will find yourself needing to settle down into
keep fully-functional wheel travel, no matter
price!
few pedal strokes out of the car park, wonder if you have climbed on a DH bike by mistake, with an upright position and relaxed angles. As we find out later, this initial impression is misguided. The frame is built using Giant’s proprietary ALUXX butted and shaped aluminium tubing and is, for the amount of travel on offer and the price tag attached, surprisingly light at a shade under 2.7kg, including shock. For the weight-conscious, there is a carbon-framed version, which sheds 400-odd grams, but it is fairly pricey. If the ego allows it, we say stick to the durable aluminium, and do an extra sit up a day to lose the 400g. A tapered head tube – 1.125-inch to a massive, stiff 1.50-inch bottom race, increases the front-end rigidity, and should prove durable too. The Fox fork is a perfect mate for the RP23
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Tested
PHOTO: Craig Dutton
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Tested
INTENSE SPIDER 2 | R18 500 (frame and Fox RP23 shock only) There are many bikes that claim American
up riding the importer’s personal steed,
on the climbs, partly through some extra VPP
heritage. Some have rich made-in-USA
with an eclectic mix of componentry,
grip, and partly through the aggressive almost
history, but have bowed to commercial
much of which is also imported by the
race-feel of the position on the bike. We left
pressure and outsourced manufacture to
same firm: the Thomson seat post, the
the rear shock open for the duration of the
the cost-effective East. Others merely
delicious Edge carbon bars and stem,
testing, and never felt we needed to lock it
started with a design studio in the States,
the Aerozine cranks, the Gatorbrake
out – even standing, we were surprised by
and produce a raft of budget-conscious,
stoppers and KCNC bits and bobs are all
the amount of forward drive generated, with
CAD-perfect bikes – the Toyota Corollas of
from Paragon, and the bike is finished
minimal bounce.
the bike market (just without the sticky
with a RockShox Revelation U-Turn fork,
Descending is where you really get into
accelerators). Intense is neither of these;
XT derailleurs, a Fizik Aliante perch and
the teeth of the Spider 2. The relatively
the Temecula, California-based outfit
American Classic’s fine wheelset.
aggressive head angle makes for a fine
prides itself on keeping all manufacturing
THE RIDE
singletrack proponent too, and the steering
in-house.
We mostly rode the bike set up on the
is precise and predictable. At the longer
THE BIKE
120mm settings front and rear. At 140mm,
travel setting, the angles slacken a degree
The first thing that struck us on the Spider
it rises into a different caliber of bike,
for a more stable ride, but you lose a little
2 was the multi-hue Works Blue paint job:
of the B-T-T-W pace. We haven’t ridden a
apparently a custom job, normally reserved
bike at this level, for quite a while, with an
for sponsored rides, but an early clue to the
old-school standard front axle, but with the
home-built nature of Intense.
combination of the super-stiff Edge bars and
The Easton tubing frame is solidly built,
stem, and the equally rigid American Classic
and clearly with strength and durability
hoops, there was enough front-end strength
the first goal. The welds and finishes are
on offer. A 15mm thru-axle would tighten it
tidy, without being over-finished. And, for
up further.
such a durable rig, it isn’t heavy, by any
At higher speeds, the Spider 2 begged to be
standards; as ridden, the 2.6kg (including
ridden in ever-increasing gears. At low speeds,
shock) frameset built to a shade over 11kg.
the gnarly stuff was great fun, partly thanks
Go mad speccing it, and you could frighten
to a shortish top tube, and the low, aggressive
ten kilos – on a long-travel bike!
setup. Braking was powerful, in spite of the
Intense latched on to a much-vaunted
low-spec Gatorbrake setup (at just R1650
suspension system, in the early nineties,
all-in, incredible value-for-stopping-power!)
that the Canadian Outland company was
and there was no discernible braking action
licensing, and it has managed to optimise
on the shock through the stutter-bumps and
the use of this Virtual Pivot Point design so
rocky bits. At its ‘minimum’ settings, it’s fast
well, it outlasted Outland. In essence, VPP
and fun! At its max settings, it handles the
involves working two linkages together to
sitting higher and begging for some gnarly
mimic a rear suspension pivot point that
downhill and drop-off work. And, cleverly,
ready for them.
would not be feasible to actually build into
the guys at Intense have made sure that
THE VERDICT
a conventional bike. The paired linkages
you can swap out the travel options on
Intense really has managed to optimise
allow the firms using this type of system to
the trail, without having to adjust the sag
the VPP system, including the sometimes
customise both the travel of the rear wheel,
on the rear.
criticised maintenance elements with
and the amount of interaction your pedaling has on the suspension.
monster hits perfectly; you just need to be
On climbs, at 120mm setting, we
bearings and bushings in all the right places,
gelled immediately with the aggressive
and grease ports to avoid unnecessary dis-
The Spider 2 offers two variations, with
nature of the bike. Firstly, the VPP really
assembly. The ride is sublime – we would
a simple bolt-move to flick between the
is a pleasure when applied by Intense –
happily race this over any distance, even XC,
two, of 120mm or 140mm rear travel (4.7-
there is so little pedal movement when
thanks to the fast, compact set-up at 120mm.
5.2 inches). Both run through a 7.5-inch
seated, that you have to double check
It really comes into its own, though, when you
(190mm) Fox RP23 shock, but our test frame
you haven’t locked the rear by accident.
are just out playing, and you are confronted
had a similarly-specced RockShox Monarch
Of course you haven’t, because the
by a nemesis-section – one that all the lads
4.2. Intense is being brought into SA as
stability and comfort over the roots and
ride fearlessly, but still ties your knickers in
frame-kits almost exclusively, so we ended
rocks is marked. There is great traction
a knot.
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Tested PHOTO: Craig Dutton
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Tested
Mongoose Teocali Super | R21495 The Mongoose brand, born in 1974, has its roots
bottom bracket with an additional small link
much travel and relaxed angles (headtube 69
in BMX, but gained real MTB cred in the late
<breathe>.
degrees, seattube 71.5 degrees) to climb with
1980s when it sponsored legendary allrounder
There’s a Fox Float RP23 shock with ProPedal
agility and the Teocali Super wasn’t about to
John Tomac. These days, it’s focused firmly on
that offers a healthy 145mm (5.8 inches) of
surprise us. It climbs smoothly and steadily but
the budget-conscious segment of the mountain
rear wheel travel, well matched to a Fox
not fast; and then yawns, stretches and heads
bike market, and has successfully gained respect
Float RL fork with 140mm of bump absorption
downhill with the raw enthusiasm of a Stormers
as a low-frills, big-thrills brand. The Teocali
room and lockout on offer.
cheerleader on debut. The Fox Float RL fork
Super continues is true to the brand.
The bars, stem and seatpost are all from
with a 15mm thru-axle impressed, especially
THE BIKE
FSA, while the brakes are the no-nonsense
on very rough surfaces. The wide bars and short
The aluminium frame is black with a white
hydraulic disc Stroker Trail grippers from
stem enhance front-end stability and control
top-tube, simple and businesslike. There’s a
Hayes. There’s a Shimano SLX crankset, front
on descents. Actually, we never felt troubled
small gusset beneath the downtube where it
derailleur and shifters and Shimano XT rear
by any terrain, and the high-ish bottom bracket
joins the headtube for added strength and the
mech to manage shifting.
gives good pedal clearance, which ultimately
toptube and downtube are hydroformed from
The wheelset shouts quality with Stan’s ZTR
makes for a smoother, faster ride. Cornering
round to squared for additional strength. The
Flow rims and Formula hubs wrapped in
was stable, but the bike’s not exactly nippy
seattube ends right above Mongoose’s unique
Kenda’s robust ExCavator tyres.
through tight stuff. The ExCavators hooked up
rear FreeDrive rear shock system, which is
THE RIDE
well on rocky and softer terrain, but with wide
essentially a single pivot idea that works through
Taking the Teocali Super off the rack, you feel
knob spacing didn’t shine on sketchy hardpack.
four compacted pivot points above the bottom
its full 13.7 kilos. The complex FreeDrive rear
The Hayes Stroker Trail brakes have moto-
bracket. It looks complicated at first, and on
shock design undoubtedly adds metal and
style levers, which some testers really like
closer inspection, it remains complicated!
weight to the frame. But when you’re looking
but which others aren’t crazy about. They’re
<breathe> The compact rear triangle comprises
at almost 6 inches of rear wheel travel front
not silky smooth, but they’re adjustable and
robust looking squared chainstay and seatstay
and rear, you don’t let the weight become
work suitably well. The Stan’s ZTR Flow rims
tubes joined to the main triangle – sort of –
an issue. Once moving, you quickly realise
and Formula hubs create a descent quality
by sealed-cartridge bearing pivots. The main
why Mongoose has stuck with the FreeDrive
wheelset that’s up to the battering the rest of
rear triangle pivot is higher than you’ll find on
design. It works damn well! Small bump
the bike is hungry for…
most designs, which would normally produce
compliance is excellent as are big hits. It may
THE VERDICT
plenty of chain growth and pedal feedback,
not look clean, but man this suspension offers
The Teocali Super is a comfortable bike with
but this is offset – extremely well actually –
a clean ride feel at all times. It just gets on
reliable componentry that offers a smooth,
by the mounting of the bottom bracket on its
with bump absorption and traction duties
confident ride at an extremely reasonable
own rocker link which connects to the shock
with a conscientiousness well above its price
price. It’ll get you through a marathon race,
at the top and the rear triangle beneath the
bracket. We don’t expect bikes with this
but it’s most content in rough play mode.
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Tested
PHOTO: Craig Dutton
TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
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60 |
TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010 WHEELS: Shimano Deore XT with 15mm ThruAxle TYRES: Kenda Nevegal folding 2.1 COCKPIT: Giant Contact bars, stem and seat post; Fizik Gobi XM saddle CONTACT: www.dragons.co.za; 021 461 6252
WHEELS: Shimano XT
TYRES: Continental Mountain King tubeless
COCKPIT: Truvativ Stylo riser handlebar, stem and seapost; Chumba saddle.
CONTACT: www.chumbaracing.com; gavin@ chumba.co.za; 0824113486 X C - M A R AT H O N - T R A I L - F R E E R I D E
X C - M A R AT H O N - T R A I L - F R E E R I D E
CRANKSET: Aerozine Triple
CRANKSET: Shimano Deore XT 44/32/22
X C - M A R AT H O N - T R A I L - F R E E R I D E
COCKPIT: Edge bars and stem; Fizik Aliante saddle; Thomson seatpost CONTACT: www.intensecycles.com; 082 707 0110
TYRES: Maxxis Monorail 2.1 (front) Maxxis CrossMark 2.1 (rear)
WHEELS: American Classic 26 Tubeless
BRAKES: Gatorbrake Duo
BRAKES: Avid Juicy Fives with 185mm rotor (front) and 160mm rotor (rear) CRANKSET: Shimano XT
GEARS: Shimano XT shifters and derailleurs
FORK: Rockshox Revelation U-Turn with adjustable travel, 120-150mm GEARS: Shimano Deore XT Shifters and derailleurs
FORK: Fox 32 F120R, w/ 15QR Thru Axle, 120mm travel GEARS: Shimano Deore XT Shifters and front derailleur, XTR rear derailleur BRAKES: Avid Elixir R
WEIGHT: 11.4kg, as ridden, incl. pedals
WEIGHT: 12.3kg, as ridden, incl. pedals
FRAME: EASTON EA6 aluminium tubeset with custom-CNC linkages. RockShox Monarch 4.2 shock, 120-140mm (4.75-5.2 inches) travel
GEOMETRY SIZES: S, M (tested), L, XL TOP TUBE LENGTH: 584.2mm SEAT TUBE LENGTH: 457mm HEAD TUBE ANGLE: 70 degrees (120mm setting) SEAT TUBE ANGLE: 73 degrees (120mm setting) CHAINSTAY LENGTH: 426.7mm WHEELBASE: 1080mm SPECS PRICE: R18 500 (Frame and RP23 rear shock only) COLOURS: Intense Red, Stealth Black, Works/Raw, White, Team Green (Custom colours to order)
INTENSE SPIDER
GEOMETRY SIZES: XS, S, M (tested), L, XL TOP TUBE LENGTH: 584.2mm SEAT TUBE LENGTH: 457mm HEAD TUBE ANGLE: 69 degrees SEAT TUBE ANGLE: 73.5 degrees CHAINSTAY LENGTH: 434.4mm WHEELBASE: 1107.4mm SPECS PRICE: R33995 COLOURS: Satin black/red
GIANT
FRAME: ALUXX SL-Grade Aluminum, 5.0-inch Maestro Suspension with Fox Float RP23 shock with ProPedal
FRAME: 7000 series aluminum front triangle with carbon fibre rear triangle with Fox Float RP23 (Accepts 120–150mm forks) FORK: FOX RL 32 with 120mm of travel and lockout
GEOMETRY SIZES: XS, S, M (tested), L TOP TUBE LENGTH: 567mm SEAT TUBE LENGTH: 368mm HEAD TUBE ANGLE: 69 degrees SEAT TUBE ANGLE: 73 degrees CHAINSTAY LENGTH: 419mm WHEELBASE: 1092mm SPECS PRICE: R29000 COLOURS: Anodised - Jet Black, Electric Blue, Red; others - Powder White, Sangria, Lime Green, Laguna Blue WEIGHT: XXX
Chumba VF2
X C - M A R AT H O N - T R A I L - F R E E R I D E
CONTACT: www.omnico.co.za; 021 6910110
COCKPIT: FSA riser bar, FSA stem, FSA seatpost, WTB Pure saddle
TYRES: Kenda ExCavator 2.10-inch front and rear
WHEELS: Stan’s ZTR Flow rims, Formula hubs
GEARS: Shimano SLX shifters, front derailleur, Shimano Deore XT Shadow rear derailleur BRAKES: Hayes Stroker Trail hydraulic disc with 160mm rotor (rear), 180mm rotor (front) CRANKSET: Shimano SLX Hollowtech II 44/32/22
FORK: Fox Float RL with 150mm travel and lockout
FRAME: Mongoose FreeDrive aluminium with Fox Float RP23 shock with 145mm travel and ProPedal adjustment.
WEIGHT: 13.7kg without pedals
GEOMETRY SIZES: S, M (tested), L, XL TOP TUBE LENGTH: 584mm SEAT TUBE LENGTH: 457mm HEAD TUBE ANGLE: 69 degrees SEAT TUBE ANGLE: 71.5 degrees CHAINSTAY LENGTH: 434mm WHEELBASE: 1089mm SPECS PRICE: R21495 COLOURS: Glossy black/creamy white
MONGOOSE
Tested
Gear OAKLEY SCALPEL You won’t find Oakley’s new Scalpel under the company’s SPORT category. Nope, the Scalpel is filed under ACTIVE, but as far as we’re concerned, it fits into both. The Unobtanium (Oakley’s stick-to-sweaty-skin material) strips in the nosepiece and earpieces allow you wear the Scalpel on the bike. No amount of rough terrain riding could shift them. We like that the Scalpel’s curved lens enhances peripheral vision. Well, Oakley claims it does and we definitely felt we had super vision range, not common with full-frame eyewear. The frames are made from O-Matter, which is light and strong and classy looking. Obviously the Scalpel incorporates Oakley’s legendary lens technology such as optical clarity, impact protection, UVA, UVB and UVC protection and glare reduction. They’re also available with polarized lenses for those with extra glare sensitivity. What we really like about the Scalpel is that it’s got the functionality for use on the bike and the style for use off it – perfect for those who don’t like to faff with multiple pairs of eyewear. COLOUR OPTIONS: Polished Black frame/ Black Iridium lens; Brown Smoke frame/ Dark Bronze lens; Matte White frame/Black Iridium lens; Dark Gray frame/Positive Red Iridium lens (tested). PRICE: Non-polarised R1500 Polarised R2150 CONTACT: www.oakley.com;
LEZYNE POWER CAGE CLASSIC DRIVE PUMP COMBO The bottle cage/mini pump combo isn’t new, but Lezyne has revived it with added quality. The Power Cage is made from hollow aluminium with a CNC-machined aluminium base and integrated pump mount. This gives the cage superb stiffness so you know your bottle is secure even on the most rugged terrain; and at 66g, it’s feathery light. The Velcro strap holds the mini-pump in place firmly and it comes with a rubber pump ring to prevent the handle from movement while riding. The Classic Drive is a smooth, powerful mini-pump that has a lathe-turned oversized aluminium barrel and non-slip textured grip. The handle is made from nylon and it overlaps the barrel to reduce the pump length. The head has a reversible ‘nozzle’ to allow for Presta or Schrader valve inflation. Lezyne claims it can inflate up to 90 PSI (6.2 Bar), but we never needed to inflate to that pressure, which is more road bike domain. Speaking of road bike domain, the Classic Drive also comes in white. It is also a well-priced combination which proves that Lezyne is also catering for the budget-conscious among us. Price: Power cage R140, Pump R185 CONTACT: www.twowheelstrading.co.za; 041 3685708
021-486-6100
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Gear LEZYNE CNC FLOOR DRIVE PUMP Every mountain biker should have a floor pump; and most do. But not every floor pump has longterm reliability, which is why the Lezyne CNC Floor Drive caught our attention. Well, initially its simple yet sleek, polished aluminium look caught our attention, yet another superb design from Lezyne, the parts and accessories company that’s hell bent on proving function can mix with form. But looks are nothing if it doesn’t do the job properly, right? This is where the CNC Floor Drive really impressed. Lezyne’s designers took two steps back to solve the eternal pop-and-hiss frustration that goes with modern multi-valve lever-lock systems. They created an old-school screw-on reversible head that secures the pump to the valve better than any system we’ve used before. Swap it around for either Presta or Schrader use. Another benefit of this is that you can also use it to inflate your rear shock or fork suspension. The simplicity of this pump is the secret to its success. It’s made from fewer parts than most floor pumps and therefore there’s less that can go wrong. The floor plate is machined from a solid piece of aluminium, while the rest of the pump is all CNC machined aluminium. The extra long hose (120mm) allows you to connect it to a bike on a bike stand (thoughtful) and it clips away securely just above the footplate (neat). The handle is ergonomically designed for optimal hand comfort. The pump’s action is buttery smooth and convincing, while the gauge, mounted at the base as part of the footplate, measures pressure in PSI and Bar with large numbers so it’s easy to see. It inflates up to 220 PSI (15 Bar), which is way more than you’ll ever need as a mountain biker, but useful if you own a road bike. At RXXX it’s quite pricey as far as floor pumps go, but such is the quality that you’re unlikely to have to buy another one in a hurry. It’s easily the best floor pump we’ve ever used. COLOURS: Anodised Blue; Anodised Red; Anodised Gold; Polished Silver (tested). PRICE: R850.00 CONTACT: www.twowheelstrading.co.za; 041 3685708
MOMSEN DESIGN FORK GUARDS Fork guards aren’t exactly a must-have, but they do offer protection for your forks against scratching and dings during riding and transportation. They can also add some colour detailing to the front end of your bike. Momsen Design’s neoprene fork gaurds have a Velcro fastening strip, so they’re easy to fit, completely washable and fit all current XC-model forks. COLOURS: You name it, they can make it. PRICE: R120 CONTACT: www.twowheelstrading.co.za; 041 3685708
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Gear
TREAD FEBRUARY/MARCH 2010
| 63
Gear SERFAS NIGHTSAVER LIGHTS Now there are no excuses for not being seen. Serfas Nightsaver Lights are small, but powerful and, with a rubbery quick-release strap, can attach to just about any part of your bike. It’s the brightest single LED light we’ve tested and it has three settings – High, Low and Flashing. In the very dark, it lights up to about 15 metres ahead, but we found it more useful as a ‘being-seen’ light, perfect for those pre-dawn and dusk rides where you have to share roads with motor vehicles to get to and from the trail. The rear light offers the same functions as the headlight, but obviously in red. We like that they weigh almost nothing, can swivel about 60 degrees to fine-tune the exact angle you need in order to be seen and come in nine colours! COLOURS: White (tested), Black, Gray, Silver, Orange, Red, Blue, Yellow, Pink and Green. PRICE: R75 each CONTACT: 041 3685708; www.twowheelstrading.co.za
Race Face Turbine chainrings Mashed your way through your first set of chainrings? It’s a coming of age thing for a mountain biker, so, well done. Now for the scary bit. Those blades ain’t cheap. Getting a new set will take you in one of two directions: get the same ones as the manufacturer of your cranks, or look for something aftermarket. Race Face makes cranks, yes, but it also makes chainrings to fit Shimano and Truvativ parts, among others (thankfully the 4-bolt mount pattern is common among many manufacturers). We got a set of the Canadian company’s Turbine blades; what’s fancy about them is the ramps and pins that aid shifting under power. That, and the fact that they’re nice and thick and therefore should last longer than the ones you’ve just binned. The technical details are that the Turbines are machined out of 7075 alminium, while asymmetrical tooth profiling is matched with more upshift and downshift zones (those ramps and pins we were talking about) for consistent, instantaneous, quiet shifting even under load. The set we bolted on to some Truvativ Style cranks did all of that and more: the black and silver looks pretty swanky to boot. Price: R2000.00 Stockists: www.cyclesafrica.co.za
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PHOTO: DINO LLOYD
Gear HOPE VISION TWO HEADLIGHT Hope Technology is based in England where, in general, the weather is crap and visibility is poor, which is why the company is perfectly located to make all-weather bike lights such as the Vision Two. The compact CNC machined black and silver aluminium head contains two LEDs, which, on max power, offer 480 lumens of beam for at least two hours. The head attaches to the handlebar with a quick-release clamp, or to your helmet (with an extension cable). The battery pack is small (about the size of a cell phone) and light and attaches with a stretchy Velcro strap to the handlebar stem, making for a very neat lighting set-up with minimal cable required. The Vision Two has five settings – four solid beam and one flashing beam. We found setting four (the brightest) ideal for most singletrack riding, but often used settings three and two to lengthen battery run time. The beam is very even and quite naturally coloured but lacks the distance penetration of more powerful lights, only really a concern if you want to fly down technical descents in the dark. But for most South Africans, the Vision Two is an ideal night-riding companion. It comes with a square-pronged UK charger, so either buy a plug adapter or use a Universal AC-DC power unit to recharge it. We got up to three hours of light on one charge. Unfortunately it doesn’t have a charge indicator so you don’t know how much charge is remaining. We rode it in the early autumn Gauteng rains and found it to be suitably water resistant. If you don’t want to spend huge cash on a lighting system, the Vision Two is a good option. Bonus feature: because it’s made in England, the manual makes complete sense! PRICE: R3165 CONTACT: www.intltrade.co.za 011 4860060
Adventures:
Around the Borders of Lesotho KZN Battlefields Vendaland
Contact Detail email@groep7.co.za 082 466 2755 www.groep7.co.za/bunduwebsite/index.html
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Watch our website and Supercycling for dates of forthcoming tours
Gear FOX EFX JERSEY Tight-fitting jerseys should only be worn by XC/ Marathon racers and busty promo girls. Everyone else should consider a looser-fitting style such as Fox’s EFX jersey. Made from 100% polyester the EFX is light (250g), breathable and fast-drying, which means it’s perfect for keeping cool on hot days. Of course as we head into winter, keeping cool isn’t a major concern, but looking cool should be. The EFX has a v-neck collar with and MX-style artwork to give the jersey some additional off-road culture credibility. There’s a single centre rear pocket with zip closure and a sunglass wipe panel sewn into the hem at the front right (thoughtful). The back panel is cut lower so that it covers your lower back when in the riding position (important). The EFX is loose-fitting, but not overly baggy, which means it’s a good compromise for those struggling to make the transition from the restrictive confines of tightjerseydom. COLOURS: Black/white (tested), Red/white, Gray/ white, Green/white SIZES: S, M, L, XL CONTACT: www.foxhead.com; 031 3132660
FOX RANGER SHORTS With only baggy shorts in its vast MTB range, Fox has gone to great lengths to ensure there are no excuses for looking uncool on the trail – or off it. The Ranger has an integrated non-removeable, six-panel inner liner with a high quality pad. What we like about this is that the front of the liner is low-cut which eliminates any kind of bunching at the front when crouched in the riding position. The padding is medium density, perfect for short and longer rides and the legs of the liner aren’t too tight (an area of concern on some lined baggy shorts), with a strip of silicone around the bottom to prevent any movement. The outer shell is made from a nylon/spandex combination fabric, which is light and quick-drying, yet robust enough to stand up to trailside branches the occasional tumble. The double press-stud style closure and zip fasten the shorts firmly and comfortably and there are Velcro-fastening straps to fine-tune the fit on the waistband. The two open side pockets have a big enough opening to allow gloved hands in and out without hassle, while the two cargo pockets have closures (one Velcro with a flap and the other a zip) for import items that you don’t want to risk losing. There’s also a removeable sunglass wipe attached to the inside of the zippered cargo pocket. Light, strong, comfortable and good-looking. If you’re someone that’s happy with non-removeable lined shorts, the Ranger is a very solid option. COLOURS: Black, Graphite (tested), Olive Green SIZES: 32, 34, 36, 38, 42 CONTACT: www.foxhead.com; 031 3132660 TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
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This vs. That
Suspension Tension –
Fox F32 RL meets Rock Shox SID XX
W
hen the time comes to buy a new front fork for Marathon/XC purposes, the two most obvious choices are Fox’s F32 and Rock Shox’s SID. Why do we say that? Take a look at what the guys and gals packed into the ‘race snake’ paddock are running up front before the start of any event. Mind you, look around no matter where you are in the field. ‘Nuff said. We got fork fundi and service technician Ruan Deysel a brand new Fox F32RL and a SID XX for a couple of weeks. This is what he had to say.
By Ruan Deysel
Tale of the tape
Fox F32 RL
RockShox Sid XX
Weight
1430g
1405g with remote
Lockout
Manual
Remote
Ideal for
Serious racers; weight weenies
Aggressive riders; heavier riders
Plushness rating
4/5
3/5
Efficiency rating
3/5
5/5
Service frequency
100 hour rebuild
100 hour rebuild
In the box:
• High pressure shock pump • Fox 32 F100 RL • User CD and warranty information
• User manual and warranty information • Shock pump • Carbon fibre mud guard • Sid XX with Xloc remote • Polymer travel spacer • Steering tube spider • Xloc bleed kit
Price:
R7495
R9250
Contact:
www.foxracingshox.com
www.sram.com/en/rockshox/
www.omnico.co.za
www.capecycles.co.za
021 6910110
021 7613528
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This vs. That
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This vs. That Feature First the Fox Few companies have the experience that Fox Racing Shox has in the design and manufacture of suspension for off road applications. It is an industry leader in anything from motocross, desert trophy truck racing, snowmobiles…but it is bicycle suspension we’re interested in. The company’s vast experience shows in the Fox 32 F100 RL. It is one of the benchmarks against which the rest of the industry measures itself. Fox lays claim to being the most OEMspecified fork of all time in the top end of the market. The F100 RL comes in at the entry level of the 32mm F series forks for 2010….but it is important to remember that there is no difference in the quality of any Fox fork: it is
only features and weight that set the models
end of the bike, through rock gardens and
apart.
over tree roots; it is absolutely confidence
Tech Features
inspiring through rough corners, keeping the
The F100 RL comes with an open bath
front wheel in the line that it was pointed to.
damping cartridge to control movement
That made it very easy to forget that it this is
on the compression and rebound strokes.
only a 100mm travel XC fork [Ed’s note: Ruan
This technology gives the fork a larger oil
is frequently seen with a 140mm or more trail
volume than normal which extends the
bike beneath his legs].
service intervals on the cartridge. It also
Using the non-remote lockout on the Fox
reduces heat fade on long downhills or over
was easier than anticipated: it took a little
very rough terrain. There is a red rebound
more concentration to find the right spot on
adjuster on top of the right-hand fork leg
the trail to let go of the beloved right grip
with about 10-13 rebound clicks, which
to flick the lever to the lockout position. The
makes setup easier. A lever actuated lockout
factory-set lockout threshold is extremely
is mounted on the right leg, with a factory-
firm; this means it is only worth locking the fork
set lockout threshold to protect the internals
out when the surface is very smooth. Hitting
of the fork. That’s there in case you forget to
anything larger than a matchbox while locked
open the lockout before taking a big hit. It
out will cause the bike to lose momentum and
has a single Schrader valve on top of the left-
bog down. This fork is amazing on longer rides
hand leg to adjust the positive air pressure
and makes a noticeable difference to rider
according to rider weight.
fatigue.
Fox uses a combination of two negative
The Fox F100 RL is in the process of redefining
plushness over small bumps; this also acts as
the line between cross-country race and trail
top-out stopper on the rebound stroke. The
forks. It has a bottomless, plush and surefooted
result is that the fork is velvet-smooth. It is
feel that few race forks have, with the weight
possible to get a Fox service centre to reduce
and efficiency that make trail specific forks
the travel from 100 to 80mm internally to
green with jealousy. It’s also a very good
make it more suitable for use on a hardtail.
choice for heavier or more aggressive riders
The lower chassis is an engineering work
and the body saving plushness makes it an
of art: cast in magnesium, it is stiff and
excellent choice for stage racers.
light with options of post-mount disc brake
Options
brackets or V- brake bosses.
There are four options in the 32mm F series
Riding the fork
lineup, with the new for 2010 F-series Fit
Our test bike for the Fox was a full-on XC
remote and F-series Fit RLC at the top end
race full-suspension machine with 100mm of
side of the scale. Both of these fork sport
rear wheel travel. The rear suspension was
the new Fit cartridge technology, which
on the firm side with a Specialized Brain
has a smaller oil volume for lighter weight.
shock controlling the movement at the
Because it’s a seal cartridge system, it also
back. Fox recommends using percentage of
eliminates oil aeration, resulting in better
full travel as sag, but I found that using your
damping consistency. The RLC has adjustable
body weight in kilograms and inputting that
lockout threshold and low speed compression
value to the fork in PSI was a bit easier. This
damping, making it possible for the racer to
means that a 75kg rider will pump the fork
control all facets of the compression, lockout
to 75psi. That serves as a very good starting
and rebound strokes. Fox developed a remote
point, from which you can tweak it to get the
lockout lever in conjunction with Shimano for
correct sag (5-10psi up or down).
two of the F-series forks, while all F series
From the first impression it was abundantly clear that the Fox is extremely
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The verdict
coil springs to give the fork unparalleled
forks are available in 15mm Through Axle and 9mm open dropouts.
plush, especially over small- to medium-
The fork is available with a 1 1/8 or 1.5 to 1
sized square edges, like tree roots and rocks.
1/8 tapered steerer tube to comply with some
Time and again the fork outclassed the rear
of the new bikes using tapered head tubes.
This vs. That Feature On to Serious SID The RockShox Sid XX is one of the newest offerings in the SID lineup, expressly aimed at the weight- and efficiency-conscious XC racer. RockShox offers five models in the Sid range; the XX is second from the top, with only the XX World Cup coming in above it. Not many know that SRAM bought RockShox a couple of years back, helping complete the company’s bouquet of MTB offerings. RockShox is among the first brands to create MTB suspension with its RS1 model dating back to 1989. The brand has been a market leader ever since. Tech Features The SID features a dual air spring, adjustable with any normal high-pressure shock pump through Schrader valves on the bottom and top of the left-hand leg. This example has the new XX motion control dual-flow hydraulic damping cartridge, with an external stroke rebound adjuster at the bottom of the righthand leg. The adjuster is neatly tucked away inside the magnesium lower casting, which protects it from possible bumps against trail obstacles. This damper is based on the original BlackBox technology and enables the fork to be adjusted for ‘beginning of stroke’ rebound rate; it has a factory-set ‘end of stroke’ rebound rate. What all that translates to is that the fork feels very supple over both big and small hits. The fork comes with an industry-first hydraulic lockout called the Xloc, actuated by a compact, very ergonomic, push-button handlebar-mounted lever. The floodgate on the SID is part of the lever; evidenced by a gold collar around the junction where the hydraulic hose and the lever meet. The fork is supplied with a black polymer travel spacer that can be installed internally to give the fork 80 or 100mm of travel. The characteristic ‘power bulge’ lowers on the fork are there to save weight while still keeping the SID strong and stiff, thanks to that cast magnesium. The 7000 series aluminum in the stanchions is coated with low-friction hard anodising; very useful sag gradients embedded on the legs make setup a breeze. Riding the fork The fork was installed on the same Specialized S-works Epic; a perfect ‘test bench’, which matched the 100mm travel of the fork,
resulting in a making the bike very balanced
valve that helps you to dial the lockout
front to rear.
Setting up the SID was
threshold to be just enough to prevent the
extremely easy following the guidelines in
fork moving when climbing; if you get it
the manual, with both positive and negative
right, the fork will be active when you hit a
air chambers filled with the same pressure.
trail obstacle, but it won’t move under any
With the external rebound adjuster set at
rider input. The minimum setting was enough
about 5% slower than I would normally have
for me; it had the bike rolling over obstacles
it, it was time to hit the dirt.
without getting any unwanted movement
It doesn’t take more than a few minutes
when locked out.
of riding to realise that this fork is meant
The verdict
for business: racing business, that is. It
The Sid XX is a formidable upgrade to any
wants you to attack small steep climbs with
XC race bike – but it is best suited to lighter
the same type of aggression that a racer at
riders who are weight-conscious and seek
World Cup level does. The fork urges you to
one of the most efficient and advanced
put in hard efforts out of the saddle and stays
technology forks on the market. This fork is
absolutely stable even while the lockout isn’t
made to win races at World Championship
engaged. The SID XX has enough low-speed
level. No questions asked.
compression damping dialed in by the factory to make it resistant against diving through its travel under hard braking; combined with a progressive air spring, the fork delivers the kind of feel that you almost forget that it’s there doing its job. Just what you want when hitting 180bpm and are more worried about your body going numb from the burn of lactic acid. The SID felt stiff in aggressive cornering and the bike had very good steering accuracy, not something that you would expect from such a flyweight. While the setup instructions provide a great guideline, they are just that. It is well worth playing around with the suggested pressure chart on the back of the fork by adding and taking out a little pressure until you are happy with the amount of sag that you are getting. The reason for this is that there can be major differences between the gauges on shock pumps. Remember that 10psi is considered a big difference; if you want the fork to be a little plusher on small bumps put 5psi more in the negative chamber than in the positive. The Xloc is without a doubt the solution to the modern remote lockout in that it does away with the steel cable prone to getting jammed with dirt and grit. According to RockShox the lockout is good for 50000 pushes before it needs to be bled to get rid of the old oil and any air bubbles that may sneak in there. The floodgate adjustment on the lockout lever acts as a pressure release TREAD TREAD JULY/AUGUST JULY/AUGUST 2010 2010
| 71
Safety
MTB hijackings draw community closer By: Donovan Jackson
S
ince
reported
or the hijackers would not be taking them.
the MTB community to look inwards for
extensively on the growing
To this end, initiatives are under way to
solutions. eBlockwatch supports just
dangers of mountain biking in
scour Diepsloot to identify possibly stolen
that. It is a network of nearly 70 000
South Africa in issue 5, Is this
bikes with the assistance of the police and
South Africans who look out for each
Tactical Reaction security.
other and exchange information to solve
TREAD
what we want? – and more specifically, in the Gauteng region – the situation has
What also emerged is that marshaled
crimes. Founder Anton Snyman is setting
deteriorated. Over the course of several
rides are now a necessity in Johannesburg.
up a ‘cyclist specific’ network; register at
weeks in April and May, hijackings became
The nature of mountain biking makes this
www.eblockwatch.co.za. By registering,
once-a-week occurrences. Even ground
a thorny challenge, given that we seek
you will pay R30 a month through your
formerly considered safe is under threat:
out the rough stuff and the trails less
cellphone bill, but will get a ‘panic
incidences at Northern Farm, a bastion of
travelled. However, to this end, Tanya
button’ (using your phone) which will
mountain biking especially for those new
Harford, organizer of the 94.7 Cycle
bring help should you need it.
to the sport, showed that hijackers mean
Challenge, proposed Waterfall Estate as
By mid-May the work of the MTB
business and will invade private property
a safe, contained area where bikers can
community was apparent: mountain biking
in search of their spoils.
ply their trade. Leeuwkop Prison (perhaps
in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg
The last straw came with the hijacking
ironically) is also suggested as an option;
is fully patrolled, with security patrols,
of a group of five strong, fit men. This put
riders must register to access prison land.
marshalls and even a chopper in the
the lie to the notion that riding in groups
Vehicle tracking companies are also
sky. While this is incredibly sad in some
somehow rendered you safe. As one of
bringing their expertise to bear: Altech
respects – what happened to freedom?
the victims said, a group is no match for
Netstar is working on a device which will
– it is also inspiring to see a community
a 9mm aimed at your head – or that of any
be completely hidden in the bike or its
come together to protect its rights and
one of your number.
accessories, with a suitably long battery
interests. Ride safe and take care.
(
This put the lie to the notion that riding in groups somehow rendered you safe. As one of the victims said, a group is no match for a 9mm aimed at your head – or that of any one of your number. The mountain biking community is
life. Should a bike be ‘jacked, such a
kicking back. A meeting convened with the
device will also provide the intelligence
participation of Cycle Lab and many other
to establish its movement through the
industry figures saw plans put in place to
criminal supply chain.
not only provide safe training space within a week, but also track down the culprits.
The involvement of eBlockwatch is bringing some hope to the issue. Through
The challenge is on,
What emerged is that a major point of
the discussions on bike hijackings, it has
Cyclists vs. hijackers.
concern is to identify where the bikes are
become clear that the average policeman
www.eblockwatch.co.za.
going. There must be a market for them,
has no interest in helping cyclists, leading
72 |
TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
)
Masterclass
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| 73 Imported and distributed nationally by International Trade: 011-486-0060 TREAD MAY/JUNE 2010
My Fitness
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My Fitness
Philip Buys
Garmin Adidas pro Philip Buys has been a part of the Gauteng – and national – mountain biking scene for such a long time that it comes as a something of a surprise to learn how young he is. But he has already made a substantial impact, including taking the overall title in the season finale in last year’s MTN Series (the 50 Miler in Hilton) and plenty of other honours. By Donovan Jackson
S
o, how old are you?
Let’s look at the secrets to that success.
Theron - Ed), but I’ll only get concerned if
I am 21 years old, born 30
How many hours a week of training?
I go over 80kg.
September 1988
If it’s a good week…15hours. In season, a
Any cross-training? If so, what’s the
And for just how long have you
lot of training’s not necessary if we have a
motivation/reasoning behind that?
been a mountain biker? When did you
lot of races.
I try to do some trail running now and then,
start racing?
Do you adjust your training through the
as well as Pilates. I reckon it helps with the
I’ve always been a mountain biker! While I
season? If so, how?
balancing and core muscles to cope with
started riding at the age of 13, I only really
Long slow rides take place over December
the rough mountain biking terrain.
started focusing on my training when I was
and January. In season, it’s just recovery
What gadgets do you use to guide
18. Before that, I didn’t do many long rides,
between all the racing and some speed and
training? (We imagine a Garmin…you
I just played around on my bike…
power sessions, with the odd long outing to
know…) How do they help with training?
Did you do any other sports as a lightie?
maintain endurance. Racing almost every
And do you train by ‘feel’ even with that
Or now, for that matter?
weekend helps plenty with that.
scientific input?
I was pretty good at long distance running,
You were spotted having an Appletiser
For most of my training on the bike, I use
tried cricket too… and played rugby until
at the Nissan Series 2010 launch…while
the Garmin Edge 500 and if I’m afraid of
Grade 9. Right now, it’s pretty much only
everyone else was into the beers. How
getting lost, I use the Edge705. For training
bike riding, but I love trying different
closely do you watch what you eat and
off the bike, I use a Forerunner. Most of
adventure sports.
drink?
the time though, I listen to my body when
Are you a ‘full time pro’ or do you do
We have huge support from PVM regarding
deciding on the training for that day.
anything else, like study or work?
our diets; I actually do have a diet plan
What’s your major focus – XC or
I have been a pro since last year; while I
worked out for me. It’s good to have it as
marathon?
tried studying engineering for two years ,
a guideline, but what it all actually comes
More on the cross country; South Africa
it didn’t quite go the way my mom had it
down to, according to me, is just to eat as
has some of the best marathon races, so I
planned for me. Luckily she got over it…
much as you can as often as you can. But
enjoy that as well.
at least until next year, when it‘s time for
that’s just me…
Best race? And goals for 2010 and
registration at the university again…You
What’s your height and weight? How
beyond?
gotta love your mom!
much does your weight fluctuate?
My best result so far in 2010 was 2nd
What are the highlights of your career to
At the moment I tip the scales at 77kg and
overall and 1st U23 at the first XC race
date?
come in at a height of 186cm. After last
in Rietvlei. The goals for 2010 include to
Pretty much the last 3 months of 2009; I
year’s Epic my, weight was 72kg, but I keep
become the SA U23 XC champ and to win
got 2nd place at the Crater Cruise and a
on telling myself that everything I gained
one of the MTN Ultra marathons…outside
3rd in Clarens. Then there were wins at the
since then is good weight (muscle). I’ll
of that, I’ll be happy with a top 10 at all of
MTN Hilton 50 miler and the Mondi Addo
probably lose some now after the 2010 Epic
the major races. Beyond 2010, I would love
MTB race.
(where Philip finished 14th, with Francois
to qualify for Olympics. TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
| 75
My Bike
Carbon Admission
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TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
L
ast year, ‘Sick’ Mick Hannah began to re-ignite the GT flame on the international downhill racing circuit. Locally, Timothy Bentley, a schoolboy from Pietermaritzburg, is doing the same. The 17-year-old Grace College pupil, riding a GT Fury, beat the entire field to win both the Junior and Overall titles at Round 2 of the MTN National Cup in Pietermaritzburg in April.
By: Donovan Jackson
My Bike What is the best thing aboutPHOTO: this bike? GREG BEADLE Hard to say, there are so many good features. The handling is really good. It is so sensitive and rigid due to it being a carbon fibre frame. It also pedals extremely well, almost like a hardtail due to the Independent Drive system. And it is definitely one of the best looking bikes out there! Is the Independent Drive suspension system as easy to set-up and maintain as GT says? The I-Drive system is brilliant, it eliminates almost all suspension bob when pedalling which means it is very efficient. And yes, it is easy to maintain – you only have to replace bearings once in a while. Mick Hannah is super-fit and loves pedally courses. You prefer less pedally courses, right? I don’t mind them. I’ve got a lot fitter this year and have done much better on pedally courses. But I do prefer tracks that are steep and technical and really need skill to go fast on. Which is your favourite DH course in SA and why? It would have to be the track at Mankele in Nelspruit, just because it’s nice and technical; steep in parts and has lots of rocks and corners making it really fun to ride. The Fury’s frame is made from carbon fibre, does this make a noticeable difference compared to aluminium-framed bikes you’ve raced? Yes it does, it feels very different to an aluminum bike. The main difference is that it is extremely stiff and rigid – it does not flex at all. It also feels very solid and the handling is sharper than an aluminum bike. Is your Fury stock standard, or is there anything you’ve done to personalise it? So far my bike is completely stock. The build kit on the bike is all top of the range so there isn’t much room to upgrade. The only thing I might upgrade is a to lighter wheel set. What is your racing goal for 2010? I have a few: win the KZN Provincial Series overall; win the Junior and Elite South African Champs and National Cup Series; place in the top 10 at the Junior World Champs; and race few World Cup rounds. For more on the GT Fury, visit www.omnico.co.za
TREADJULY/AUGUST 2010
| 77
My Challenge
The big...really big...
crash By: Francois Esterhuizen
It’s not mountain biking if you don’t fall off, right? Most of the time (thankfully) coming a cropper is more of a laugh than anything else. But not for Worcester cycle shop owner on one fateful Sunday, when a straightforward ride to scope out a route for an upcoming race, went horribly, life-threateningly wrong.
P
art of a new riding route was to
my elbow – and to add a few more bits of
a follow up with the surgeon had him happy
be on a farm where we had never
titanium screws and plates to my inventory!
with the progress. He did, however, warn
previously ridden. It started with a
Traction. I was confined to my bed with
that my neck would probably never rotate
nice gradual climb, then a jeep track
two very large bolts screwed to either side
fully again and my left arm would never be
downhill, nothing steep, just open road. As I
of my skull. Making this uncomfortable and
able to straighten fully. The expectation
came around a corner, the roadside was a bit
extraordinarily tedious process bearable was
was I’d not be able to get it more than 15
overgrown. A piece of road that had recently
the support from family and friends. A good
degrees from straight.
washed away was not clearly visible until I was
mate designed an ingenious contraption to
But the most important question: ‘Would
almost on it. All I had time to do was warn my
suspend my laptop above my head, providing
I ever be able to ride again?’ His comment:
riding buddy that there was trouble ahead...
access to the outside world. This was
“It’s not the riding that’s a problem, it’s the
properly helpful: I could stay in contact with
falling.” Genius.
The next hour is a blank. Apparently I plummeted into a ravine, flying through the air and connecting head first into the opposite embankment. As I came to, my mate Myles was saying I’d been in a crash. The ambulance was on its way. The next week is a morphine haze, but I recall the doctor on duty, (a fellow mountain
(
The next hour is a blank. Apparently I plummeted into a ravine, flying through the air and connecting head first into the opposite embankment.
my business, chat via e-mail and Skype, and
The road to recovery...and the bike
)
most importantly, stay in the loop with the
Progress on injuries like those I had
biker) close to tears telling me that I had
cycling community on www.thehubsa.co.za
sustained tends to be slow and painful.
broken my neck at the C3 vertebra, and also
forum.
However, progress it is – and it is sometimes
shattered my left elbow.
Amazingly, the people on this forum
surprising. Not only was my arm able to get
Having broken my neck playing rugby 20
rallied to help raise funds to help cover my
very close to straight (5 degrees out) but
years ago, I already had a fusion between the
hospital bills. I received so many messages
the range of motion on the neck and arm
C4 and C5 vertebra. The surgeon said that my
of encouragement and prayers from many
were improving.
neck would be practically immobile if they had
people. For this I will be eternally grateful
What was disappointing as I lay in
to do another. This one would be higher up,
and it certainly helped restore my faith in
hospital was that just weeks earlier, ‘Dr
on C3. The alternative was traction and hope
mankind.
Evil’ (Leon Evans, ABSA Cape Epic course
that the vertebra would heal in the correct
After seven weeks the surgeon surprised
designer) had visited to get assistance on
me by letting me go home early. This was
2010 route, passing through the Worcester
But first the operations, three of them,
followed by eight more weeks at home, still
area. Not only was there the opportunity to
to clear the shattered pieces of bone from
in a very stiff and uncomfortable neck brace;
help with the event, but also the prospect
posture; an eight-week process.
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My Challenge of riding the Epic in my own back yard. But that
six riders, and you needed six to cross the
road and MTB Argus on a tandem. In very
would now be definitely out the question.
line for a result. What followed was a very
hot conditions and despite a few mishaps,
I did how ever make a challenge to myself
tough day in the saddle with extreme heat
we made it. What next, I thought…
to try and be back on my bike to be able to
and many riders suffering from dehydration.
How about that Epic then! Ten days
complete the Double Century in November.
For the first time ever, I walked on a road
before it started, I came across a customer
ride…BUT, we finished!
who needed a partner. We did a ride
When I finally got the go ahead to start doing physical exercise again, I jumped on the
The final check-up with the surgeon
together; it went well. I was in! It felt like
indoor trainer. It was shocking to see how weak
came six months after my crash. He was
a dream to be at the registration…and eight
and unfit I had become without exercise. Just
happy to inform me that the alignment of
days and with not a single fall (well one
doing a mere 150W sent my heart rate through
my vertebra was perfect – it had healed with
stupid one at zero km/h – after all, it’s not
the roof!
the traction. All that discomfort was worth
MTB unless you fall) we finished.
Remarkably, though, just 14 weeks later I
it in the long run: the rest of my life.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that
was on the start line with my wife on our road
While I thought mountain biking was over
with the support of my wife and my faith,
tandem, along with two other mixed tandems,
for me, the best news was yet to come. On
and if surrounded by supportive people, you
ready to take on the 202km Double Century.
a whim, together with my wife, we entered
can achieve almost anything you set your
There was no quitting, as we only started with
‘The Argus’ MTB race…looking for bragging
mind to. And overcome the worst of times
rights of being the only riders to do both
to again enjoy the best of times.
TREAD TREADJULY/AUGUST JULY/AUGUST 2010
| 79
Race with Soul
ABSA Cape Epic 2010 S
o, another year, another foreign overall winning team at the ABSA Cape Epic. The Bulls team of Stefan Sahm and Karl Platt did a fantastic job in defending their title, and in the process, proved that consistency is everything. The German pair didn’t win one stage, but they didn’t lose much time on any of the stages, which is ultimately what ensured they claimed the coveted crown at the world’s most prestigious mountain bike stage race. By Sean Badenhorst PHOTOS: GREG BEADLE
T
he second and third-placed teams are where most of the South African interest lay because of the presence of homegrown talent.
Burry Stander and Christoph Sauser (SUI) eventually finished second with Kevin Evans and Alban Lakata (AUT) in third. But both these teams lost chunks of time both through mechanical breakdown or illness. Evans and Lakata came out guns blazing to win the first stage and grab the early lead, making the most of a weakened Stander, who was battling a stomach bug. By Stage 3, Stander had regained his strength and he and Sauser began their comeback with three successive stage wins.
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Race with Soul
TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
| 81
Race with Soul On Stage 3 it was the turn of Evans and Lakata to lose a lot of time when Lakata’s rear wheel disintegrated, forcing the big Austrian to run the last few kilometres to the finish. Lakata never quite recovered from that unusual effort and he and Evans had to settle for eventual third place. Meanwhile, Stander got stronger as the race grew longer, but on Stage 6, Sauser became ill and despite battling on bravely, wasn’t able to continue the challenge he and Stander had mounted to try and win the race overall. In the end, Sahm and Platt were the most consistent and were rewarded with the victory. It was Sahm’s second win and Platt’s fourth, making him the race’s most prolific winner. As for a South African winner, well, we’re still waiting, but our lads are getting closer each year. Maybe next year… While the limelight falls heavily on the battle for the overall crown, there are furious contests raging throughout the race for supremacy in the other race categories, and here is where South Africans shone. In the Master’s division, South Africans filled the final GC podium. Andrew McLean and Shan Wilson (Toyota Cycle Lab) were the dominant winners, claiming a very respectable 18th place overall, with Adrian Enthoven and Gary Marescia (Cycle Lab Jag Foundation) in second and Corrie Muller and Robert Sim (Big Tree Foundation) taking third. South Africans also won the highly competitive Mixed category. Paul Cordes and Yolande Speedy showed their international marathon-racing class by finishing 22nd overall. They were followed by the Swiss pair Barti Bucher and Esther Suss (Wheeler BIXS) and Nico Pfitzenmaier (RSA) and Sally Bigham (ENG) of Team Adidas Big Tree in second and third respectively. Europeans dominated the Women’s division with Danish sisters, Kristine and Anna-sofie Noergaard, claiming the final victory. Second place went to South African Hannele SteynKotze with her German teammate Ivonne Kraft (Sludge Ladies), while the Swiss pairing of Giuliana Vitali and Tamara Horn (bike2help.ch – Big Tree) rounded out the podium positions. For more detailed stage reports and results, visit www.cape-epic.com
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Race with Soul
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Race with Soul
Here’s what those riders had to say to the media as the race unfolded: Stage 1
Stage 3
Now we can watch the leaders and maybe
“It’s a huge relief to have done better
narrow the gap again.” – Alban Lakata, after
than the first two days. I suffered a bit at the
he and Kevin Evans lost their race lead due to
beginning of the stage, but felt very hungry
mechanical trouble on Stage 3.
at the first water point – a very good sign –
Stage 4
“Normally my first day is not a good one,
and had something to eat. That made me feel
“I felt very good today. I looked at the
but obviously we got a few things right today.
better and I continued fuelling my body after
stage profile yesterday and knew it was going
It was a roller coaster ride, and I even had a
not being able to do so for the first two days.”
to be a cross-country stage, which is really our
puncture, but we kept it together with Alban
– Burry Stander, winner of Stage 3
strength. It would be great if we could ride like
saying it’s never over until it’s over.” – Kevin
“I had to run with my bike on my back
this every day. This is also a mental game and
for the last 2km as my rim exploded. When
you have to be prepared to suffer.” – Christoph
“This was really not my day as I felt ill. It
I hit the tar I could feel that it wasn’t going
Sauser, winner of Stage 4.
was difficult to hang on to the guys in front. I
to make it – it was already that bad. Today
Stage 5
also had cramps in my legs on the railway line,
was just unlucky. We even got some bombs
“We knew it’s going to be hard to do a time
but luckily a bad day is normally followed by
from the other riders to inflate the tyres, but
trial in the middle of a stage race. Luckily, I
a good one. The field is really close this year,
the damage was too severe. In a way this is
recovered well from yesterday. Burry felt even
so it’s going to be an exciting race.” – Burry
actually not all bad – I was starting to feel
better, but he was so excited about this one
Stander, second on Stage 1.
the pressure of riding in the leader’s jersey.
hour stage, that I could already feel it this
Evans, who, with Alban Lakata, won Stage 1.
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(
Stage 8 “All things considered I think it’s fantastic to be in third place overall. I take my hat off to Alban for the way he suffered to keep the third place. I’d also like to thank our excellent crew and support teams. Without the mechanics who sometimes worked through the night and our managers this would not have been possible. Nobody sees them but they play such a crucial part – a big thanks to them. And I’m really happy it’s over.” – Kevin Evans, third overall.
)
morning. We were going very fast today and
after warming up. Maybe the third stage
I knew we were in the lead. Today was quite
had broken me. It was such a difficult day
dusty behind Burry and I was kind of riding
with all the running and perhaps the chasing
blind going into the downhills. I’m probably
was too much for my body. I’m still trying
slightly better at the downhills so I can take
to recover from that. My biggest problem
more risks. It was ideal that I was behind him,
at the moment is to stay with the leaders
although normally it’s better if the weaker
as long as possible, but I’ll try my best and
one follows in the downhill and can catch up
work hard for a podium finish.” – Alban
right away in the uphill.” – Christoph Sauser,
Lakata.
winner of Stage 5.
Stage 7
“With time trials you give your everything,
“I had some stomach problems last night
so the other guys are obviously stronger. We
and this morning, so struggled a bit today.
came second to two World Champions and
The uphills were difficult, but then I could
don’t feel too bad. It was a good race.” –
always get back on the downhills. I didn’t
Kevin Evans, second on Stage 5.
have the power I would normally have in
Stage 6
the long climbs. I think my body went into
“I felt very bad today. I thought I had good legs in the morning, but it was different
emergency mode, but we’re in second place overall which is nice.” – Christoph Sauser. TREAD MAY/JUNE 2010
| 85
Race
Beautiful Geometry 9 days, over 900 kilometres and the joy of riding some of the best trails South Africa has to offer. Combine that with the legendary race organisation skills of Farmer Glen of Sani2c and Farmer Gary of Berg â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n Bush...and you have the Fairbairn Capital joBerg2c...
PHOTO: KELVIN TRAUTMAN
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Masterclass
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| 87
Race
D
on’t forget to pay the ferryman... Kwazulu-Natal race organisers have a reputation for unusual and exciting additions to their events.
In the joBurg2c, it wasn’t just mountain biking that had participants loving every day....
D
on’t forget to pay the
Kwazulu-Natal race or have a reputation for
exciting additions to t
In the joBurg2c, it wasn’t just m
ing that had participants loving e
PHOTO: KELVIN TRAUTMAN
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e ferryman...
rganisers unusual and
their events.
mountain bik-
every day....
TREADJULY/AUGUST 2010
| 89
Race The rolling hills of Natal are punctuated by a herd of wildebees...and Kenyan mountain bikers David Kinjah and Davidson Kamau, riding in the colours of race sponsor Fairbairn Capital/Old Mutual. The ‘Safari Simbaz’ would eventually take second place behind the dominant duo of Andrew McLean and Shan Wilson. Fore more information and to book your place on next year’s edition of what is bound to be a top event in years to come, visit www.joberg2c.co.za
PHOTO: KELVIN TRAUTMAN
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Race
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Calendar
RACE DIARY
JULY
Schedule of South African mountain bike events Place
Date
Race
Discipline GAUTENG
Distance
Contact Person
Pretoria North, SVJ Farm
Sat 3rd July
AmRic-SJV Series
XCM
30km/15km
Richard Sutton
Pretoria, Gerotek
Sun 4th July
XCM/DHI
40km/20km/6km
J Du Toit
Krugersdorp
Wed 7th July
McCarthy Audi MTB & DH event Moonlight Series
XCO Night Race
One hour (1.6km lap)
Lynne Venter
Nooitgedacht, Logwood Village Pretoria, Fountains
Sun 11th July
JMBC Logwood Classic
XCM
68km/42km/15km
Sat 17th July
XCO
Pretoria, Fountains
Sun 18th July
MTN SA Cross-country Champs MTN SA Downhill Champs
Walkerville, Lapeng Hotel
Sun 18th July
Krugersdorp
Wed 21st July
Alberton, Rietvlei Farm
Sat 24th July
Medscheme Walkerville Classic Moonlight Series
JMBC Advendurance
DHI
Advendurance
XCM
60km/35km
Cyclingnews
XCO Night Race
One hour (1.6km lap)
Lynne Venter
Anatomic High School MTB XCO Series #1
Deon Steyn
Cullinan, Oak Lane
Sat 24th July
NISSAN #3 Diamond Rush
XCM
60km/30km/10km/2km
Advendurance
Pretoria, Babas Lodge
Sun 25th July
Babas Lodge # 7
XCM
65km/35km
Andre de Beer
Parys, Shiloh Shalom
Sat 3rd July
XCM
60km/30km/10km/5km
Pietermaritzburg, Baynesfield
Sun 4th July
Parys Island Dirtmax Series # 6 Baynesfield Super Classic # 8
Belinda Basson 083-595 8439 Jowetts Cycles Events
Howick, Fire Tower
Sun 4th July
Greg Minnaar Mongoose DH Series Arysta LifeScience Golovane MTB Ingeli Forest MTB Super Classic # 9 Bonitas/Castle Lite Umfolozi Challenge Hluhluwe Rhino MTB Challenge
FREE STATE
XCM DHI
45km/25km/10km
KWAZULU-NATAL
Ballito, Collisheen Estate
Sun 11th July
Ingeli Forest Lodge
Sun 18th July
Umfolozi, Umfolozi Game Reserve Hluhluwe, Hluhluwe Club
Sat 24th July Sun 25th July
Wansley Farm
Sat 17th July
Club Race # 6
XCM
Knysna, Knysna High School Franschoek, Huguenot Monument Knynsa Oudtshoorn Wolesley Paarl
Sat 3rd July
XCM
Sun 11th July Sat 17th Jul Sat 17th July Sat 24th July
Pick n Pay Weekend Argus Rotary Knysna Cycle Tour Bastille Festival MTB Classic SCMBA XC # 3 - FINAL Oudtshoorn MTB Wolesley Paarl Rotary MTB XCM
XCO XCM MTB XCM 45km/30km
60km/30km/10km 65km/46km/15km
Stellenbosch, Paul Roos Gimnasium
Sat 31st July
Die Burger MTB Challenge
XCM
62km/42km/30km/15km
Bela-Bela, Sondela Nature Reserve
Sat 24th July
Sondela Family Fun Ride
XCM
Louis Trichardt, Schoemansdal EEC
Sat 31st July
Akkedis MTB Challenge
XCM
Gaberone, Yacht Club
Sat 24th - Sun 25th July
SABARU Kalahari Challenge SR
Sun 11th July
Contact 082-901 8703 www.amric.co.za 011-707 2800 www.cycleevents.co.za 079-878 5379 www.godlfieldscyclingclub.co.za 082-492 1445 www.jmbc.org.za 083-327 2499 www.advendurance.com 083-327 2499 www.advendurance.com 011-662 2494 www.cyclingnews.co.za 079-878 5279 www.goldfieldscyclingclub.co.za 082-320 8878 www.goldfieldscyclingclub.co.za 083-327 2499 www.advendurance.com 082-490 5061
083-659 5605 www.jowettscycles.co.za
Brian Dinkelman
084-693 1502
XCM
50km/20km/5km
Hill2Hill Events
XCM
40km/20km
Stuart Ramseyer
072-125 238 www.golovane.co.za 082-859 5752
XCM
50km
Stu Berry
083-456 8435
XCM
40km/20km
Bridget Dickson
083-777 3439
Amatola MTB Club
071-140 5549 www.amatolamtb.co.za
Zandile Meneses
082-851 3622 www.knysnacyle.co.za 082-578 3017 www.maniccyles.co.za www.hillbillies.co.za 082-094 2526 084-254 5205 083-456 2876 dduring@psgkpmsultwp. co.za Dirtopia 021-884 4752 www.dirtopia.co.za
EASTERN CAPE EASTERN CAPE
85km/50km
XCM
Geddan Ruddock
LIMPOPO
BOTSWANA
Johan Gerber Cathy Grobblaar Dick During
40km/20km/2km
Mel Mayer
70km/35km/12km
Johan van Dijkhorst
98km/88km
Seamus O’Neill
082-788 9086 www.spndela.com www.sondelanaturereserve.co.za 082-740 8740 www.akkedismountainbike.co.za 00 267 72100514 www.gcc. org.bw
TO EVENT ORGANISERS Listing of events in this calendar is free but dependent on timing and complete event information. Send your complete event info to info@treadmag.co.za. Event advertising can also be placed. Call 082 8761672 for rates.
TO MOUNTAIN BIKERS This calendar was compiled with information available to us and we assume it is correct. However, we cannot be held responsible for any errors and recommend you confirm event details with the organiser if you’re uncertain. TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
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Calendar
AUGUST Place
Date
Race
Dicipline
Distance
GAUTENG
Contact Person
Alberton, Meyersdal
Sun 1st Aug
Meyersdal
XCM
Louis Harmse
Pretoria North, SVJ Farm
Sat 7th Aug
AmRic-SVJ Series
XCM
Pretoria, Voortrekker Monument Pretoria North, SVJ Farm
Sat 7th Aug
Dylan Victor Cup # 3
XCM
68km/35km
Sat 7th - Sun 8th Aug
AmRic-SVJ Stage Race
XCM Stage Race
30km/15km & 30km/10km Richard Sutton
30km/15km
Richard Sutton 082-901 8703 www.amric.co.za Sharlene
Pretoria, Babas Lodge
Sun 8th Aug
Babas Lodge # 8
XCM
65km/35km
Krugerdorp
Wed 11th Aug
Moonlight Series
XCO Night Race
One Hour (1.6km lap)
Andre de Beer 082-490 5061 Lynne Venter
Magaliesberg, Van Gaalens Fri 13th - Sun 15th Aug Farm Tarlton Raceway Sat 14th Aug
Nandoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Magalies Adventure EPR Randfontein Race
XCM Stage Race
20km/70km/40km
Rob Jackson
XCM
55km
Hartbeespoort Dam, Hartbeespoort Ruimsig, Roodepoort Athletics Krugerdorp
Sun 15th Aug
Anatomic High School MTB XCO High School Series # 2 Urban Assault MTB Classic EN
60km/30km
Lebo
Wed 25th Aug
Moonlight Series
XCO Night Race
One Hour (1.6km lap)
Lynne Venter
Cullinan, Oak Lane
Sat 28th Aug
MTN Cullinan XCM # 5
XCM
100km/70km/40km/15km
Advendurance
Meyerton, Boswell Wilkie Circus
Sun 29th Aug
The Country Challenge
XCM
110km/75km/35km/10km
Bettie Elsin
Sat 14th Aug
Thornhill, Sunnyvale Farm
Sun 1st Aug
Ridge Mania MTB Marathon XCM
East London, Baysville School Willowmore, Primary School Bathurst, Shawpark Primary School Fort Beaufort Country Club
Sat 14th Aug
Club Race # 7
XCM
Sat 14th - Sun 15th Aug
Trans Baviaans Challenge
XCM
Sun 15th Aug
Talisman Pineapple Enduro XCM Race Woodoc Kat MTB Challenge XCM
Sun 22nd Aug
At Stander Deon Steyn
EASTERN CAPE
60km/30km/15km
Fattracks Amatola MTB Club
230km
Ecobound
60km/30km/15km/5km
Talisman/Shaw Park
85km/35km
Julie Nisbet
Northern CAPE
Kimberley Kimberley Springbok
Sat 7th Aug Big Five # 4 XCM Sat 21st Aug Tour de Ghaap - Baviaans Sun 29th Aug - Sat 4th Sept Namakwaland Tour
XCM XCM Stage Race
600km
Wimpie Geyer Wimpie Geyer Arno Botha
Oudtshoorn Swellendam
Sat 7th Aug Sat 7th Aug
Kammanasie Berg Swellendam Canola
XCM XCM
60km/40km/15km 55km/24km/8km
Essie Esterhuyse Christie Louwrens
George
Mon 9th Aug
Eden-Saasveld Fun Ride
XCM XCM
Rob Lotter
Wellington
Sat 14th Aug
Wellington Gravel Travel
60km/30km/5km
Wellington Tourism
Kleinmond, Palmiet Day Camp Gouritzmond
Sun 15th Aug
Gravity Adventure Festival XCM
50km/30km
Gravity Adventures
Sat 21st Aug
45km/20km
Plaas Botha
083-452 6191 082-901 8703 www.amric.co.za 079-878 5379 www.goldfieldscyclingclub.co.za 082-550 1328 www. magaliesadventure.co.za 082-559 8288 atstander@lantic.net 082-320 8878 www.goldfieldscyclingclub.co.za 011-844 0416 Stadium www,entrytime.com 079-878 5379 www.goldfieldscyclingclub.co.za 083-327 2499 www.advendurance.com 083-434 3515 083-760 8968 www.fattracks.co.za 071-140 5549 www.amatolamtb.co.za 083-508 9642 www.ecobound.co.za 084-618 8556 Fattracks www.fattracks.co.za 083-701 0014 www.katchallenge.co.za 082-899 8970 082-899 8970 083-395 9038 www.kkkcycle.co.za 084-279 1065 082-909 1694 christiel@elsenburg.com 073-197 5161 www.hillbillies.co.za 083-557 6841 graveltravel@wellington.co.za 082-574 9901 www.adventurefestival.co.za 083-709 3628 www.hillbillies.co.za 082-897 2490 swartberg@ moorreesburg.net 084-279 1065 082-896 3545 potterberg@ whalemail.co.za
Mooreesburg
Sat 21st Aug
Le Peleton Fun Ride & League 7 Swartland MTB
XCM
70km/40km/20km
Kobus Dippenaar
Herold Co-op Potberg
Sat 28th Aug Sat 28th Aug
Herold Agri Landbou Fees Potberg MTB
XCM XCM
68km/45km/18km
75km/55km/32km/10km
Essie Esterhuyse Neil Neethling
Groot Marico, Bosman Terrain Rustenburg, Sun City
Sat 14th Aug
Marico MTB Classic
XCM
60km/50km/40km/20km
Chris de Bruyn
Sun 22nd Aug Subaru Lost City MTB Classic
XCM
40km/20km
082-823 3815 www.marico.co.za 011-707 2800 www.cansalostcity.co.za
Brandfort Parys, Shiloh Shalom
Sat 7th Aug Sat 7th Aug
XCM XCM
Monica Naude Belinda Basson
082-791 6003 083-595 8439
Harrismith
Sun 8th Aug
Brandfort MTB Parys Island Dirtmax MTB Series # 7 N3TC Dirty Harry
XCM
Louis Harmse
Cycle World MTB Olivia
XCM XCM
50km/20km Hennie Verster
Monica Naude 083-702 1932
12 Hours Swellendam Canola MTB
XCM Enduro MTB
Tobie Coetzee 55km/24km/8km
082-433 2290 Christie Louwrens
MTB
60km/30km/5km
Wellington Tourism
MTB 70km/40km/20km Kobus Dippenaar MTB
082-897 2490 swartberg@ moorreesburg.net
Bloemfontein Sat 14th Aug Bloemfontein, Olivia Game Sat 21st Aug Lodge Bloemfontein Sat 28th Aug Sat 7th Aug
Sat 21st Aug
Sat 14th Aug
Wellington Gravel Travel MTB Swartland MTB
Sat 28th Aug
Potberg MTB
Eston, Eston Farmers Club Harburg, Harburg Church
Sun 1st Aug Sat 7th Aug
Hilton, Cowan House School Champagne Valley, Mountain Splendour Eco-Resort
Sat 21st - Sun 22nd Aug
Illovo Eston MTB Challenge KLAAS Tour de Krantz Super Classic # 10 Cowan House Super Classic # 11 Mountain Splendour Mania
Sat 28th - Sun 29th Aug
Moffatt Optical Howick High-
Howick, Karkloof Farmers Market
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Sun 15th Aug
XCM
Contact 082-557 6884 www.spectrumsport.co.za
North West province
Free State
Johan du Toit 60km/30km/10km
60km/30km/10km/5km
& Super Classic # 12
082-909 1694 christiel@elsenburg.com 083-557 6841 graveltravel@wellington.co.za
75km/55km/32km/10km
Neil Neethling
082-896 3545 potterberg@ whalemail.co.za
XCM XCM
75km/40km/20km 45km/25km/10km
Brett Austen-Smith Marie du Toit
XCM
40km/20km
082-572 4522 076-655 7080 www.tourdekrantz.co.za Linda Hill 082-321 1283
XCM & Night Race
40km/20km/10km/15km
Ian Don-Wauchope
XCM & Night Race
20km/45km/40km/25km
Jonathan Adams
MTB Challenge
XCM
40km/20km
082-577 6841 www.mountainsplendour. co.za www.wardevents.co.za 079-467 5043 www.howickhighlander. co.za Debbie Van Wyk 083-896 0558
KWAZULU-NATAL
lander MTB Adventure Weekend
2010Mondi Grantleigh Grantleigh CollegeTREAD Sun JULY/AUGUST 29th Aug
082-557 684 www.spectrumsport.co.za 082-791 6003
Classifieds
TO ADVERTISE IN TREAD MAGAZINE, CONTACT: Donovan Jackson | Publisher | Email donovan@treadmag.co.za | Cell +27 82 495 7828 | Tel +27 11 675 3460 | Fax +27 86 697 1106 | www.treadmag.co.za BICYCLE SHOP
Mountain Bike shop
• Stockists of high quality bicycles and accessories • Johannesburg’s exclusive Santa Cruz dealer • Custom bicycle building service, including wheel building. • Ladies Bicycle Workshops
MOUNTAIN BIKING ADVENTURES EASTERN CAPE
TOYOTA MTN CYCLE PARK
www.magiclight.co.za
• Normal opening times: Dawn til dark – will vary according to season • Night racing will be held regularly at the floodlit BMX track • Night riding will be scheduled occasionally on the trails • Secure parking • Toilets and change rooms with showers to be added by Phase 2 • Seattle Coffee Company for refreshments and nourishment • Shimano Tech Centre for bike repairs and adjustments • Cycle Lab satellite store for bike consumables • Motorex bike wash For more information, visit www.cyclelab.com Riaan La Cock | 083 725 BIKE (2453) | cyclepark@cyclelab.com
TREAD JULY/AUGUST 2010
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(
Blend Some facetime with real mountain bikers you’d never normally read about.
Francois Rozon
A
)
Why mountain biking? I bought my first
full suspension BMC. What a pleasure it is for
mountain bike in the mid 80s when they
long multi-day stages!
were still relatively unknown - It was a
Best ride? There are many as I have been
Bianco Grizzly. Val-David, the village I come
privileged to live in Canada, the USA, Europe,
from in the Laurentians Mountain range
New Zealand, Australia and now South
of Quebec, was known for its ski hills and
Africa and the one common factor to all
the ski-doo trails. In summer those made
these environments is that I would take my
for great, although rough, mountain biking
Mountain Bike with. One of my best ride was
rides. I actually have never done MTB
on the southern tip of New Zealand, between
ge, location, day job? I am 42.
competitively, I have always done it for the
Arrowtown and the old deserted Gold town
Originally Canadian and moved to
pure pleasure of it all, it was my summer
of Macetown, where we had multiple river
RSA in 1998. I have lived in JHB
adrenaline replacement for downhill skiing.
crossing sometimes knee/thigh high. The
and Middleberg but have always
How long have you been riding for? Off
sheer beauty of the place made for an
kept a house in Gordons Bay. With Appletiser
and on for the last 25 years mostly on
memorable day. Skippers Canyon which is not
I do spend more time in the Western Cape
no-suspension bikes - can you believe it?
too far was also great fun - especially adding
primarily in Elgin. I am the Managing Director
In 2005 I finally retired my Rocky Mountain
a 100m bungy jump off the original Pipeline
for Appletiser which entails leading and
when I did my first multi-day stage event
to spice things up.
coordinating the work of some 300 people
and bought myself a Scott Scale 40 with
Best event? Without question the inaugural
around the world - more than 50% of our sales
locking front suspension. More recently I
Wine to Whale I did last November. We live in
are overseas.
gave in to the comfort and bought myself a
a truly amazing place and to be able to cycle
PHOTO: GREG BEADLE
through numerous vineyards, to have a full day of single track and then to finish things off along the Hermanus coast just can’t be beaten. After the gruelling Sabie Experience the year before, the Wine to Whale reminded me how we should all discover nature on a mountain bike. Best riding partners? That is a tough one.... There have been just too many over the years. Tell us about your bike? I now understand why most riders rave about full suspension bikes. I waited until I was 40 to make the switch and it was time. The BMC has the perfect proportions for me which means I no longer suffer from lower back pains. What a pleasure. What would you replace on it right now? I would put flipper break/gear changers. On long rides when my hands are a bit numb, it definitely makes life easier. Where do you train? These days mostly in Elgin - Kogelberg, the Highlands, Lebanon, Oakvalley and Paul Cluver (when he comes along), although I do mix it with a bit of road biking along the Gordons Bay - Betty’s Bay ocean road, in my view one of the most spectacular rides in the world. Any other sports? Of course. I try to run once a week with my wife, kayak when the sea is kind, play golf once a month or so and kite-surfing when I find time (which hasn’t happen of late). As for downhill and cross country skiing as well as skating only weather
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permitting...